“Ah,there she is, my new wife.” Steffano opens his arms as he sees me approaching.
It’s been three hours at this brunch party that’s officially lapsed into lunch, and I was headed to the bathroom to decompress. But with a smile, I step into the open space, and he wraps his arm around me, the dark ruby liquid in his wine glass sloshing.
I smile and rest a hand on his chest, playing the doting, loving fiancée. “Here I am.”
“Show them the ring, princess.” Steffano gives my arm a little squeeze.
Princess.It grates on my nerves, but on command, I pull my left hand from Steffano’s chest and present the mammoth rock to an older couple.
“How beautiful. You’re a lucky girl.” The woman looks at the ring over the top of her glasses.
“And the diamond isn’t half bad either.” The man laughs and gives me a rueful smile.
“Thank you.” I smile politely.
“As I was saying.” Steffano’s hand falls off my back, and I’m given the space to step away.
I take it without a second thought, continuing on my course to the bathroom.
Inside, door closed, slumped against it, I finally draw a full breath of air. Out of habit, I dig into my purse and look at my phone.
Royal:
Ahhh, in a public restaurant, I don’t need access to their Wi-Fi. I can see you just fine.
I hate how his hands areall over you.
Also, this is my first time doing some serious overseas stalking. I thought it’d be harder.
I snort reading the messages.
Leticia:
Friends don’t stalk friends.
Royal:
I’m really bad at being just friends.
“Leticia?”My mother’s voice is like nails on a chalkboard. “Are you in here?”
“Just a few minutes, Mom. I’m not feeling too good, you know me and flying.” I tuck my phone back in my purse, the message exchange with Royal tugging at my heartstrings.
This is my life, stolen moments in a bathroom, the most connection I’ve ever had to another human being, someone who isn’t even human, with four thousand miles between us.
I start listing the usual lies to get me through this.
It’ll get easier. Royal will lose interest in me. I’ll be married and focused on being perfect for Steffano. It’s not going to hurt forever.
Except that last lie I’m not sure I can make myself believe.
Tears well in my eyes, and this time I let them fall. I’ll blame it on the jet lag, the motion sickness, or the joy of being a new bride.
Only I’ll know I’m in mourning. Only I’ll know it’s the loss of love and what could be. I played with fire, and now I have to feel the cold from its absence. From his absence.
45
ROYAL
