"When?" William asks
Carter takes a sip. Sets the glass down.
"After the Vale Hotel opening. It’s in three days." He turns the glass once on the table. "We owe it to her. Let her have that. One moment of seeing her work open to the public."
Three days.
And then we're going to tell her.
We all nod in agreement.
And then we all look down.
Shame and dread is weighing our heads down
38
SIENNA
The lobby is full of light.
Warm, the kind hotels spend real money on, the kind that falls at an angle and makes everything it touches glow. There are guests dressed in designer clothes, laughing and moving through it.
Last time I was here I was in work boots.
I stop just inside the door and take it all in. The area that I landscaped is out through the east corridor. The atrium is to the left. I know this place. And yet, I'm nervous.
I came alone.
The guys needed to be here hours before the opening. William and Carter wanted to make sure everything was ready to receive the guests. Adrian decided to catch a ride with them.
I was disappointed that they didn’t offer to bring me along with them.
But it 's fine.
I understand. They had things to do and I probably would get in the way. Besides, it gave me more time to get ready.
I touch my hair. Emma spent an hour on this updo and I keep checking it like it's about to come apart. I think I chose a nice dress. I had them in mind when I bought it. It has an open back, like William likes, so he can see and touch my tattoo. The open slit is for Adrian. And the choice of silk is for Carter.
I was thinking about the way each of them looks at me and I wanted to give them something to look at tonight.
I sent a picture to the group chat when I finished getting ready.
Adrian sent the eyes-popping emoji. Just that.
Nothing from William. Nothing from Carter.
The guys have been strangely aloof this couple of days.
It 's fine.
They were busy. It’s fine.
I pick up a champagne flute from a passing tray, carefully not to unbalance the tray and I start to mingle with the crowd.
There's a jazz band playing and I stop for a while listening to them. It reminds me of Adrian. Jazz is officially his sound track. I feel him in the music and I want to find him.
I keep moving. There is a spot where people can take photos, very instagram style. I skip that.
