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“I would never interfere, but you should take it easy. Just for a little while more.”
I don’t contradict him. For years, my life revolved around my work. I need to find the passion for my job again. I’m not there yet.
I nod but get side-tracked by the ringing of the intercom. We weren’t expecting anyone. Damien steps toward the door, peers at the camera and huffs as he opens the door, and my soon-to-be sister-in-law walks in.
“Since you have no intention of stepping out into the real world, I took matters in my own hands.”
“A call would have done that too,” Damien counters, irritation punctuating his words. She scoffs and passes by him. I switch my gaze from him to her, a measure of comfort making a home inside of me.
“Yes, but I like to make an appearance, and if I remember correctly, there’s a wedding ahead of us. I’m here to take Bria for some girl time.”
Damien furrows his eyebrows at her, opening his mouth to protest surely, but I am quicker. “Soph, I would love to.”
Damien pouts, his eyes pleading. “Bria . . .”
I peck him on his lips and say, “You, my love, go back to work. I won’t be gone for long.” He crosses his hands over his chest, his eyebrows arched. “You’ll survive.”
“You guys are too sweet. I could get diabetes just by watching you.”
I roll my eyes at her and usher her to the door while she giggles.
I grab my purse, and before we leave, Damien slaps my bottom and winks mischievously at me. I threaten him to behave with a finger while he lifts his hands, smirking. No proof of him being sorry.
In the elevator, Sophia tips her head in my direction. “You two seem to be more than well. Who would have thought?”
“No one, so, how’s Alex?”
“Busy.” I narrow my eyes at her.
“How are things working out between you two?”
“Can’t complain.” There it is again, the nagging feeling.
“Sophia?” She shakes her head at me. This is her answer.
“I try. He’s doing the same.”
“I know him. He wouldn’t be in a relationship if he didn’t want one. I think you’re his first actual relationship. I’m sure all the unfamiliar feelings confuse him.” She leans back, her forehead creasing.
“I can feel how much he cares for me, but sometimes he seems far away, and I doubt I can reach him.” I squeeze her hand.
“Give it some time. You’re both in unknown territory.”
“Enough about me. I wanted our time together to be about your wedding and not about my love life.” She waves her hand and her eyes shine when they find my ring, awe lacing in her words.“I have never seen a more beautiful engagement ring. Let me look at it again.”
I raise my hand to her, and emotions overwhelm me at once—the perfect symbol of past, present, and future, sparkling on my finger. It enthralls me every time I look at it, exactly like the man who put it there.
***
Sophia parks the car, and we step inside the coffee shop, retreating to a more secluded table with an unobstructed view over the lake and order two cappuccinos. The sun shines brightly in the middle of the sky, an overall good vibe surrounds us.
“You beam. It’s contagious in a good way. To be here with you as a person and not facing a wall, is amazing.”
“When you think, not so long ago, I was the definition of one. I guess love cures all.”
Her face contorts into an undiluted rage, her nostrils flaring. “If it were me in your place, I would have killed her.”
“What good would that do? She’s a bitter and hateful person. I want nothing to do with her. I hope she keeps her distance, but I doubt Damien will let things go. She betrayed him too.”
