I had yet to gather my thoughts when he exited my home. His scent lingered. His energy pulled my heartstrings in every direction, causing physical pain.
I watched him disappear into the night, yearning to run after him. To hug him. To kiss him. To tell him just how long I’d waited and how much of myself I’d saved for him.
But, I couldn’t. He wasn’t mine. Not yet. I closed my eyes and allowed the tears to fall.
Finally.
The sound of my door closing snapped me back into reality. A gush of air blew my silk robe in the opposite direction of my body. I stayed grounded, knowing that Koen’s intention was to keep me safe.
I removed the envelope from the Louis Vuitton bag. My heart rate doubled as I dried my eyes to see clearly.
The hunt ended before I knew better. Let the chase begin.
Across it was a handwritten message. Though short, it was profound. My lips curled into a hearty smile as I choked out a chuckle. More tears slipped from my eyes as I nodded.
“Let it.”
FIVE
She looked like a doll.
A sad doll.
A confused doll.
A doll who was slowly starving herself of her beauty.
“Aliza,” I called out, regaining her attention.
“Yes?”
“Your food.”
I tipped my head toward her plate. She hadn’t touched it since I’d set it in front of her. Instead of encouraging her to spend a little time in the kitchen, I made it my business to do so. Tonight I’d prepared smothered chicken, rice, and broccoli.
Simple. And something I was sure she’d consume. However, she hadn’t touched her fork and I was halfway finished with my plate.
“Picture this,” she paused, “End of summer wedding. Outdoors. Vineyard. Mid-September. Not too hot. Not too cool. Perfect.”
I listened, clearing my throat.
“Guest list of one hundred and fifty. We both get seventy-five guests. Instead of wedding gifts, we accept wedding donations. Joined bachelorette and bachelor party. Your friends. Mine. A grand time in another city or maybe even another country,” she continued.
Silently, I watched as she gave details to the event I’d been waiting patiently for her to even acknowledge. I was searching for the words that needed to be said and the things that needed to be addressed, but I was drawing blanks.
“What do you think?”
I shrugged.
“It’s your day, too, Sac. Any requests?”
I shook my head as I lowered it. Squaring my shoulders, I lifted it and adjusted my body in my chair.
“Nothing?”
“Nothing, Aliza.”
Discomfort consumed me.
