All I need to do for my own wedding is turn up since Mom is in charge of everything else.
From the venue to the dress to my husband, I have no choice in any of it.
“Aerin?” Mom bustles into my dark room, throwing the door wide open and striding straight toward my closed curtains.“Enough is enough. Stop moping, stop crying, and get up!” She reaches my window and throws my curtains wide open, sending the mid-afternoon sun spilling into my room.
I wince and cover my eyes. “Please leave me alone.”
“No. This isn’t how we deal with things! Chef tells me you aren’t eating, which trust me, I’ve prayed for that day!” She clutches at her chest while laughing then glances at my offended face and rolls her eyes. “I’m kidding.”
“That wasn’t funny.” I glimpse Falco just outside the door, his shoulder peeking around the frame as if he’s assuring me that he’s still there. Not once has he left my side. While it’s what he’s paid to do, things feel different.
Maybe I’m just different after what happened.
“I’m just teasing. Now, come on, get up. We have a dress fitting that you’re going to be late for, and if you’re choosing to skip your meals, then I’ll need to keep the tailor on standby for adjustments, which is really no problem. Then I want to show you the venue I’ve chosen so that you know what to expect. And I’ve invited Frederick for dinner because you really should meet your husband-to-be more than once before you get married, don’t you think?”
As she talks, a low ache at the base of my skull sweeps up the back of my head and settles behind my eyes. It’s too much.
Her voice is too high-pitched, her orders are too overwhelming despite the sweet way they’re delivered, and her jibes cut too deep. I’m exhausted, but it’s beyond mere tiredness.
I’m exhausted from this life. Of being shunted around and told what’s happening rather than choosing it.
The last thing I want to do is face Frederick since the news of my attack spread. Dad has surely assured him vehemently that I wasn’t raped.
Stillpure.
My stomach rolls as Mom throws open my closet and starts rummaging through my clothes. “Come on. Up. Up!”
“I can’t.”
“Oh enough of this!” Mom snaps suddenly and spins to face me. “Enough wallowing. Enough whining. So you have an incident, just suck it up and move on. This is far too important for your father!”
Tears spring behind my eyes and pain surges through my chest as if her words were delivered with a physical blow. Usually, I would argue back but I don’t have that spark right now. Instead, another excuse rises and escapes my lips before I think it through.
“No, I mean I can’t do any of that today because I’m driving to the cabin for the weekend. To spend some time in nature and get my head together.”
“What?” Mom’s hands land on her hips. “Since when?”
My heart begins to race. Going to the cabin usually involves a lot of planning, and with Falco by my side there’s no telling how long it would take him to vet the area and even let me go. As I search for an excuse, Falco suddenly steps through the doorway and flashes Mom a charming smile.
“My apologies, Mrs. Paramatti. I thought some time in nature would do Aerin good. A momentary escape from everything to help her cleanse and resituate herself so that she can return herefully centered. Something that I’m sure would benefit everyone, don’t you think?”
I snap my mouth closed, surprised that Falco’s swept in to help me with the lie but utterly grateful.
“Oh.” Mom suddenly tucks some hair behind her ear and laughs softly. “That’s so thoughtful of you. I knew you were a good fit for her. Always looking out for her best interests.”
“It is my job,” Falco continues. “We’re leaving in about an hour I’m afraid. Had I known of your plans?—”
“Don’t be silly!” Mom interrupts. “You’re right, a refreshing break is exactly what Aerin needs.” There’s a slight color on her cheeks as she turns back to me. “I want your head on straight when you come back, alright? No more of this nonsense.” She waves her hand over me and the bed then passes Falco while placing a lingering hand on his arm.
He doesn’t even flinch, his gaze locked on me. Mom leaves with a wave and Falco slowly nudges the door closed with his foot.
“A cabin?”
I nod slowly, preparing for a scolding on my recklessness once again. “I’m sorry. I just couldn’t face everything she was saying.”
He nods once. “Give me all the details and I’ll make it happen.”
“Really?” My heart lifts. “You’re not pissed?”
