**Scandals**

Valentina woke before the sun, and ur was definitely not because she was well-rested. Her back ached from the awkward way she’d collapsed across the couch the night before, fully dressed, and half-covered by a campaign jacket she hadn’t had the energy to hang up. Her eyes were dry and so was her throat.

She lay still for a few seconds, watching the light shift against the wall. Her first instinct was to reach for her phone. But she didn't.

Because she knew what was waiting ...