I pick up my phone and see that my mom still hasn’t called or replied to my text messages. I text her something pathetic then put my phone in my small clutch.
I make my way to the garden where pink and white roses create a makeshift tent. Underneath the tent are tables covered in white linen with clear chairs surrounding each perfectly set table. Everything looks perfect. People start to arrive, and I find a place at one of the back tables.
“A beautiful woman like you should not be sitting at the back of a room.” I look up into the cheerful face of Ravi.
“Thank goodness it’s not a room then.” I chuckle.
“May I join you?” He flashes me one of his smirks. Ravi really is a handsome man. If I wasn’t infatuated with his friend, he’d definitely be the kind of guy I’d be into.
“Of course.” I reply, glad to see a friendly face.
“So, this is it? The day we’ve all been anticipating.” Ravi tells me. “This is pretty glam for an engagement party. Have you seen, Sai? I’ve been looking for him everywhere.”
The mention of his name makes my insides turn. “I can’t say the same for Amy. In fact, I always thought that she and Henry would be together forever.” He shifts in his chair but gives nothing away. Of course, this asshole also knew about it all along. Why hadn’t I thought of that?
“Henry!” I turn at the sound of Amy’s high-pitched voice. Standing in the garden is none other than Henry himself. I watch as Amy runs toward him, and he catches her in his arms, swinging her around. Guests stare with their mouths agape, and I stand to make my way toward them. I chance a glance at Ravi, and he is livid. I spot Amy’s father, who gives me an icy cold once over. I have no idea why he’s looking at me that way, but the only logical explanation is that he also knew where Henry was all along.
“Henry, are you all right?” I ask, hugging him as soon as Amy lets him go.
“I am.” he tells me. He doesn’t look hurt or even disheveled for that matter.
“Amy, I want to tell your parents about us. I want to marry you, if you’ll have me.”
She answers him by planting a kiss on his lips.
“Yes.” Amy quickly answers. Her face beams when she looks at him, love exuding from her. “Oh, Henry. I am so happy you’re here. God, I missed you.”
Her father walks over and grips her by the arm. “I would like a word, Amelia.” he seethes.
“Daddy, you’re hurting me.” she complains, but he ignores her, dragging her away from Henry, myself, and the crowd of onlookers. I look around the garden, hoping to catch sight of Sai.
Like a mind reader, Ravi tells me, “You won’t find him. He said to tell you that he needs to go away on his own for a while, but that he’ll find you.”
“Like hell he will.” I hastily move through the crowd.
“Need a lift?” Ravi asks, and despite my reluctance, I know that I’ll get there faster if I let him give me a ride.
“Can you take me to the docks?”
“Sure thing.” Ravi leads me to his Porsche, presses the key fob, and opens the door for me. When I climb in, an unsettling feeling falls over me. I have a feeling Sai’s at the docks. But where could he be going? What if I’m too late?
15
Sai
The womanI’m looking for is on the mainland, so I’ve boardedSirenand am on my way. When I received the call, I was skeptical. I’d already tried everything, but the woman said she knew my mother and that she could help. She knew what was wrong with me. After that, I let Henry go like I promised Kennedy. I had no reason to keep him any longer.
My father would just have to come to terms with the fact that I am not marrying Amelia Tekin. Not now that I had the choice. Not when there’s finally an answer on the horizon. Henry loves Amelia and she deserves to be with someone who puts her first. Apparently…I too am capable of caring for another person. I hear Kennedy’s voice and see her smile. Even out here, thoughts of her follow me.
“Sai!” I frown and look toward the docks where Kennedy stands waving me down. I take a deep breath and turn away. She has to go home and move on with her life. She has to forget about me.
“It still blows my mind, the fact that she listened to me, let me kiss her. The things she made me feel. But I don’t deserve a woman like her. That much is clear. I’d taint just like I taint everything I touch.
I turn to the docks again and see Ravi standing next to her. Even from here I can tell he’s angry. I’m about to turn away when she does the stupidest thing a woman could possibly do: she jumps into the water and starts swimming toward the yacht.
“Kennedy, Fuck, you’re stubborn.” I hiss as I rush below deck and instruct the Captain to stop the yacht, grabbing a small rescue boat to get to Kennedy. Thankfully we are not too far out of the harbor. The water is pretty calm too.
When I finally get to her, I help her get on board. She’s freezing, so I take a blanket and wrap it around her. “That was the most fucked up thing I’ve ever seen anyone do.” I scold her.
