I didn’t want to leave Heidi alone, but I also knew that if I stayed here, she’d only withdraw deeper into her shell. She might even put on a fake mask and act like she was fine for my sake, when she was actually withering on the inside.
So I relented. “Whatever you prefer. I’m going to be out late, but I’m just a phone call or text away. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. And if you want the space to yourself tonight, I can crash with a friend after we leave the club.”
“That won’t be necessary.” She seemed to be in better spirits than seconds ago as she slid a sly expression my way. “Is Gabby going to be there tonight?”
“She will.” I combed my fingers through my hair. “Oh, I also forgot to tell you that I have a date with her tomorrow.”
A genuine smile broke across Heidi’s face. “Hunt, I’m so happy to hear this.”
“Yeah, yeah, I’ll tell you all about it this weekend, okay?” I turned her around with my hands on her shoulders and practically marched her down the hallway towards the guest bedroom before she could begin the onslaught of sibling teasing. “Now go shower and unwind. You’ve earned a restful evening.”
“You’re the best brother.”
My throat tightened, upset that her quiet words sounded like she felt undeserving. “I know, Heidi. You tell me all the time.” I opened the guest bedroom door and gently nudged her inside. “Remember to contact me if you need anything while I’m gone.”
Her chin quivered with a wobbly grin. “I will.”
I left her and headed for the kitchen to plate her dinner. I scooped up a hefty amount of a chicken casserole I attempted today, cut a thick slice of a chocolate pie I purchased from Le Petit Moulin, and poured a glass of water. I also pulled out a few snacks from the pantry and placed everything in a mishmash on the kitchen counter, hoping Heidi would feel hunger if she sawthe food laid out. Otherwise, I feared she’d skip a meal and go straight to bed, wallowing in her sorrows.
Afterwards, I changed my damp dress shirt into another clean black one and returned to the guest bedroom. The sound of the shower running reverberated on the other side of the adjoining bathroom door. I knocked on it and hollered, “Heidi, I’m leaving. There’s food on the kitchen counter for you. Please eat and stay warm tonight.”
“Thank you! Love you!” Her voice was faded, but I still heard it.
“Love you, too!” I whirled around to leave but paused when I spotted her unzipped bag thrown carelessly on the bed.
Her personal items jutted out.
Including a familiar old journal I hadn’t seen in years.
Suddenly, I understood the reason for her mood.
Against my better judgement, I picked up her journal and gingerly flipped through the pages containing the pressed flowers.
Daisies.
Hundreds of them.
Given to her by Donovan, once upon a lifetime ago.
This was what haunted Heidi on an unhealthy basis. Guilt. It ate at her bit by bit, keeping her up at night. Wondering if Donovan was okay, wondering if he had everything he needed, wondering if he was alive.
She was unable to ghost the memory of the young man who fell in love with her.
And by the time Heidi realized how her best friend felt, he was long gone.
Club Azul was situated in one of the busiest boulevards of downtown, a nightmare if you were looking for parking. WhenI arrived, Josh, Shaun, Sam, Cade, Nico and Nate—two more friends of ours—were already waiting at the front doors, waving me over. Josh and Cade conversed with two burly bouncers, giving them some sort of instructions. The rest of the club line seemed annoyed that we got to skip ahead. I congratulated the boys and greeted everyone else. Ella, Darla, Dacia, and Hera were here, too. Huddled together and shaking from the windy weather in their glittery outfits and heels.
Unfortunately, the other girls hadn’t arrived yet. Namely Gabriela, whom I was desperate to see.
The crowd inside the club began to thicken once we entered. Upscale interior composed mainly of royal blue with black velvet booths greeted us. A wide circular backlit bar rested in the middle of the scene, a handful of bartenders managing the patrons. Blue lights illuminated the fountain walls, and crystal beads hung from the ceiling, giving the space an underwater allure.
We were escorted to the biggest booth in the room with a vantage view of the dance floor, two hostesses sashaying after us for bottle service. I asked for a Reine D’Or, recalling that it was Gabriela’s choice of champagne. She’d mentioned it once in an off-handed comment and I wanted to surprise her. Once the liquors, chasers, non-alcoholic drinks, and garnishes arrived, we cheered to Josh and Cade’s accomplishment.
Then I pulled out my phone to text Gabriela, unable to wait much longer.
Where are you, sweetheart? —Hunter
Her reply was instant.
