Fiona stands, appearing surprised, and whispers, “You know where I am.”
She says over her shoulder, “Would you like me to lock the door, Priscilla, or keep it open for once?”
“Locked.”
The frail tone of a broken woman responds, and with a sad smile, Fiona leaves, turning the lock behind her.
For a second there is an awkward silence, and Joseph hangs back against the wall, smiling his encouragement as I take a faltering step forward.
“Um–”
I’m not even sure what I should call her and decide her name is the best option.
“Priscilla, I’m–” I glance at Joseph, who nods.
“Um, well, my name is–”
“Tiffany.”
I’m shocked at the stronger voice speaking over me and even more shocked when she turns and raises identical eyes to mine. She glances past me to Joseph, and as realization settles in her expression, she sighs.
“I see.”
She crooks her finger and points to a chair in front of her.
“Please, take a seat and you–” She sighs heavily.
“Can pull the one over by the bed.”
Joseph does as she says with no response, and as I drop into the chair opposite, I take my first look at the woman who abandoned me all those years ago.
I’m a little shocked when she smiles, her perfect white teeth gleaming as the frown is replaced by a confident smile.
“Tiffany.”
Tears fill her eyes, and a lone tear escapes, running down her face.
“You are so beautiful.”
It’s as if she sheds the broken woman she is and emerges with a confident tone as she glances toward Joseph.
“You must be her husband.”
She points to the rings on our fingers.
“So, congratulations. You are the winner, I presume.”
“The winner?” I ask and she laughs softly.
“Enrico’s will. I heard about the conditions, and I’m pleased to see he took my advice.”
“Youradvice?”
It’s as if I’m in a parallel universe, and Priscilla nods, leaning back with a smug smile on her face.
“Forgive this act, Tiffany. I’ve played it for so long I’m starting to believe it myself.”
“Act. I don’t understand.”
