But then Mia spotted the wad of cash in Cierra’s hand. She took it, looking back at her friend in horror.
Rather than confirm what Julian had done, Cierra began to cry. Not a loud, full-body weep — but one of silent defeat. The tears came out like a stream of water trickling down a boulder. His hush money offer added to the feeling of their relationship feeling like a big one-sided transaction.
“I’m so sorry,” Mia said, consoling her friend as best she could, considering the unforgivable circumstance. Cierra nodded and gave a faint smile before wiping her tears away.
“What can we do?” Erik asked.
“As much as I want to call him out for the bastard he is — I have to think about what’s best for myself right now. Erik, you know how much is riding on this getaway for Zelda. I don’t think her investor is going to appreciate it if she finds out her husband has been dating the chef.”
“It’s not your fault, it’s not like you knew,” Erik said.
But Mia got it. She was listening attentively to what Cierra was saying, hating the fact that she was making a good point.
“Ugh, this is so fucked,” Erik said.
“Yeah,” Mia and Cierra said in unison.
“For the sake of the trip, I think the best thing to do is just carry on like nothing is out of the ordinary. My job and future recommendations depend on the success of this trip, and I will not let Julian rob me of anything else. Once we’re back in New York, I’m going to tell his wife everything. But for now, I need to just pretend this isn’t happening, okay?”
“Fine, but I’m only doing this for your sake,” Erik said. He walked away, leaving the two women alone.
With wet, regretful eyes, Cierra sniffled, and Mia wiped a tear away.
“I was such a bitch earlier,” Cierra said, more bluntly than usual.
Mia chuckled and just gave Cierra a hug. “Don’t worry about it, babe. You didn’t mean it.”
“No, seriously. I shouldn’t have made that comment on the plane. Or the one back in the Catskills about not everyone being casual. I just . . . I wanted things to be perfect with Julian, you know? And whenever he did or said things that mashed with the version of him in my head, and you pointed them out, I just got defensive. And you were so right . . .” Cierra said, her voice breaking.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
ALL CIERRA NEEDED to do was get through the next three days. She could do anything for three days, right? When she had been sixteen, she’d gone to a week-long camp in DC where the temperatures never dipped below ninety degrees and the humidity was so thick she got a rash from her underwear. Yeah, she could do anything for three days, including being on vacation with her already-married ex-boyfriend.
Friday morning went by relatively easily. Sincha’s leadership team and the investors had chartered a bus to Alligator River, where they were on a wildlife excursion, which gave Cierra some off time to spend on the beach. She had even brought a book along but only made it to page thirty-five before the main character’s wife was revealed to have cheated on him with a mob-boss, setting off a dramatic chain of events. Cierra switched toEllemagazine.
Dinner presented a challenge, because that was the time everyone needed to be in the same place, and she had no choice but to be in his presence, to serve him, which genuinely disgusted her. While setting his plate down, her hand trembled; they mutually avoided eye contact. Mia managed to “accidentally” spill an Aperol spritz on his shirt, which gave Cierra an evil sense of petty pleasure in a situation that felt otherwise unbearably degrading. Any argument between themlong forgotten, Cierra felt honored and grateful to have her best friend by her side.
Then Saturday came, when it all fell apart.
Saturday evening was the closing dinner, when all the guests were instructed to wear “Vacation Black Tie,” which translated to a lot of pastel-colored linen suits for the men and equally bright but more revealing summer dresses for the women. It was quite the photo-op. Cierra even took part and wore a short blue-and-white striped jumper that popped against her tanned, almond skin but was still comfortable enough for her to work in. She spent the better part of the morning and afternoon prepping, ensuring each course would impress the attendees.
The day prior, when she was alone at the beach with her thoughts and the squawking seagulls, she came to a conclusion. She figured she had two options: spend her last weekend with the Lawsons sulking because of what someone else did, or try, despite everything, to enjoy what she could. To end her summer, at least in one area of her life, on a high note. And she needed to talk to Erik. Tell him everything and apologize for not realizing sooner how badly she had misjudged him. While she was preparing the final meal, she envisioned how she’d approach him. Maybe find a secluded part of the house, or along the beach. If he could forgive her, then, maybe . . . but she was getting ahead of herself.
At dinner, everyone was in awe of what Cierra had created, from an alligator bisque that was an homage to the southern state, to a wild berry crumble to finish. Zelda even held a toast to her, where everyone cheered and thanked her for the service, which was touching. If only they knew what she was going through on the inside. The pride she’d swallowed. But it was worth it. It had all been worth it. She even caught a glimpse of Julian, clinking the heavy butter knife against his glass, lookingat her, knowing it would be the last time. Forcing herself to look away, she focused on Erik and Mia, who beamed with pride.
After cleaning up, many of the guests were still on the patio, soaking in the last sunset glow before heading out the following morning. Cierra was taking a moment in the living room when Zelda appeared with two glasses of champagne.
“How can I even begin to thank you?” she said and handed Cierra a flute, along with an envelope. “I can’t believe it’s the end of summer already. I thought I’d give you your final payment early. With a little bonus included.”
Cierra accepted the glass and the envelope eagerly. There was a compassionate look in Zelda’s eyes; she wondered if Erik had said something. “Thanks, Zelda. It’s been an honor working for you. I’ve learned so much.” While she wasn’t sure what the amount would be, there was no doubt the extra unexpected cash would give Cierra some breathing room between the casting call and taping, if she got selected for the show, that is. One less moving part to think about.
“You know, after this trip, I think you’re going to return to New York with an inbox full of requests. Not that you’ll have time for that. You have your audition this week, right? What an exciting time!”
Stroking her glass, Cierra gave a weak smile and took another sip.
“You all right?” Zelda asked, with a frown of concern on her face.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just been a busy weekend is all.”
