Us. Not Paige. I want her as far away from this as possible.
“That’s good for Paige, but I’m part of that evidence.” Camilla sighs and my stomach knots with guilt. I somehow managed to avoid getting summoned.
“I know. Sorry. What can I do to help?”
“Nothing. I wouldn’t have mentioned it if you hadn’t mentioned the fire. I’m looking after myself.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. I’m sure.” Camilla huffs and I have to fight not to roll my eyes. “Believe it or not, I haven’t needed you for over ten years, Sal. Even before we actually split up.”
I wince at the personal attack but nod in agreement. I deserve that. Even if it’s not entirely true.
“Anyway.” Camilla smiles, her entire demeanor shifting back to her ever-confident self. “We don’t have to concern ourselves with that now. We’re all safe here in San Francisco.” She says San Francisco like it pains her, and I huff out a laugh. “Let’s talk about itafterthe wedding. Before I go home.”
“Okay. After the wedding.” I smile, while inside my stomach is churning. I have way too much to talk about after today. And none of it’s going to be fun.
Let’s hope today goes really slowly.
The morning flies by, and before I can blink, I’m being guided into Paige’s hotel room, my eyes closed as Camilla tells me to get ready.
“Are people getting dressed in here? I can come back another time. I don’t want to make anyone uncomfortable.” Camilla laughs and I frown, hating the fact that at this present moment, she has more control over me than I’d like.
“Your eyes are closed as a surprise, Sal. You can open them now. No one is naked.”
I never mentioned the word “naked” but of course now that it’s out there, one bridesmaid comes to mind. At least until I blink my eyes open and find Paige standing in front of me, her back toward me as someone I don’t know does something with her hair.
“Hi, Dad.” She turns around, and my chest tightens as emotion wells in my throat.
“I… You… Paige.” I laugh, shaking my head as though that’ll rid me of the tears forming in the back of my eyes.
“Stop, Dad. You’re going to makemecry.”
“And you better not do that, Daddy D’Angelo, because her makeup is set.” Hayley appears out of nowhere, squeezing my shoulder as she walks past. I laugh at her ridiculous name until I notice her long champagne-colored bridesmaid dress and falter. My mind conjures a picture of Keeley wearing the same dress, the long-split revealing her…Jesus. No.
“You look lovely, Hayley.” I smile, bringing my mind back to the present while my eyes surreptitiously bounce around the room.
“Why, thank you, Mr. D’Angelo. Paige picked the perfect dresses for us all. Don’t you think?”
“They’re very nice indeed.” I nod while my heart slams in my chest, knowing that if Hayley’s here, Keeley’s likely to be somewhere close by.
“I’ve been thinking…” Paige gets my attention, stopping me from spiraling. “Would you… Ah… Do you…” She trails off and my brows furrow.
“What’s wrong?”
“Sorry, I’m fine. You don’t have to look so worried.”
“I can’t help it. It’s my job.” I laugh and Paige smiles fondly back at me. “What have you been thinking?”
“I know I said I didn’t want to make a big deal out of today. But, ahh… Would you be interested in walking me down the aisle?”
I’m still smiling from her calling me out, so when her question hits me, my heart jolts and I’m momentarily lost for words.
“You don’t have to, of course. I was just?—”
“I’d love to.” I cut Paige off as she backtracks uncomfortably, my pulse jumping around like crazy. “It would be my absolute honor.”
Paige’s entire face lights up, and for the first time in far too long, I feel like I did something right. “Thank you, Paige.”
