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NATE
Two months later…
My first Lyons Club masquerade in years. My first one as an official employee of the club. I’ve made sure everything is to go off without a hitch as the new vendor manager. I’ve added new wines and liquors to tonight’s menu, made sure all the freshest ingredients are being used for the desserts and canapes.
And the waitersmove around the room with trays serving both the best champagne and our signature cocktail, the Lyons Roar.
Tonight is, after all, a very special occasion.
From behind my silly little mask (blue and sparkly to represent a sapphire as this year’s theme is precious gems), I watch from the balcony of the Lyons nightclub as my father gets down on bended knee before Sonia.
He’s had three children with three different women, but he never got to this point with anyone.
I’m proud of him. Happy for them.
Even though my insides are so raw.
Not over Sonia. Of course not. I got over that long ago. I was the one who gave Dad the final push to buy her an engagement ring and seal the deal.
No. It’s Laney. Always Laney.
Two months without her, and every part of me still aches as it did the final moment I saw her reclined on her bed, demanding Mason and I leave her apartment.
I haven’t seen her since. I’ve respected her wishes. Haven’t called. Haven’t tracked her down.
At first, I was hopeful she’d change her mind. She’d send a text, make a phone call, show up out of the blue, begging for another chance.
I wouldn’t make her wait. I’d accept her with open arms.
However, each passing day only made the truth clearer.
Laney is gone.
I have to accept that.
And maybe…maybe I’m not meant for love. Never was. Not the forever kind of love at least.
Like Dad and Sonia’s.
Dad is nervous. The ring box trembles in his hand as he opens it, and the glittering gems catch the light so fiercely they could blind just about anyone in the club if we aren’t careful.
“Sonia. My swan. Will you marry me?”
I gag to myself.Swan? Seriously?
Swan isn’t as good as princess.
“Yes, yes, of course!” Sonia answers.
The club erupts in celebration.
I remain silent, though I’m smiling, leaning on the balcony railing and looking down at the madness unfolding.
Everyone is so fucking happy.
I am too, but my happiness is tainted.
I want Laney here. Want her next to me, watching the love unfold. Watching how happy they are.
