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“Either way, I'm still happy.” She forced a smile as she walked over to us. I watched carefully, worried she might spill the tray but she didn’t. She placed it onto the coffee table between the couches, and sat down.
“How have you been, Addie?” she asked, picking up her cup and smiling.
“I’ve been well.” I smiled back.
“Has my Daimon been good to you? I’m sure you know he has quite the nasty mouth on him.”
“It’s okay, I can hold my own,” I replied.
“Can you both not talk like I'm not in the room?” Daimon hissed.
“Sorry, honey, you’re right,” Daimon’s mother said. “How have you been? Do you still play your violin?” A small light in her eyes lit up, waiting for his answer.
“No. I hate music,” he spat out. She lowered her head; the light in her eyes snuffed out.
“But you used to love it?” her voice broke. “I still play the piano, you know the song you and I played together. It makes me feel closer to you.” She stood up and started for the piano.
“I don’t play anymore.” She stopped midstride. I remained silent, knowing what he was doing. I wanted to say he was lying, but I would be doing the very thing I promised him I wouldn’t.
“Do you still drink?” he said gruffly.
“Not as much as I used to. I'm getting better. I promise,” she said, running over to the couch and reaching for the hidden the bottles. “I know it looks like I do, but trust me, it’s not like it used to be.”
“Sure it’s not,” he scoffed. “You always said you were getting better. Ever since I was a kid.”
“Daimon, I promise. I’ll stop if it means I can be in your life,” she pleaded. “Daimon, I miss you so much. I have the picture of us. Remember? The one in Central Park and you were running around and I pulled you in and took a picture of just you and me? Remember? If you just let me back into your life—”
“Deidra, as much as I hope you get better, don’t you dare throw this on him. You have to want it, not Daimon,” I spat out. How could she put this on his shoulders?
“You’re right, Addie honey. I’m sorry. It’s just, he’s my boy and I love him.” she cried.
“Enough!” Daimon bit out and stood up.
“Daimon?” I called after him, watching him leave.
“It’s okay, Addie, go. Thank you though for trying.” She smiled quietly wiping her tears away. I nodded and ran after him. He stood by the elevator with his arms crossed waiting for me.
“I tried what you wanted,” he said harshly. “Now let’s go home.”
As the doors to the elevator opened, I could faintly hear the quiet playing of a piano. Daimon stepped inside the elevator, ignoring the gentle sounds. I calmly followed, not uttering one word.The Final Push“Do I seriously have to go?” I asked as I walked down the steps wearing an evening gown he had delivered for me. It was a stunning black and navy blue dress made entirely of French lace. The high sleeves came around the top of my shoulders, while a small collar dipped down to show off my cleavage. The dress was long and tapered off around my knees. The back of it is what made me hesitate.
“The contract stipulates you have to come with me to every social event,” he said, staring out through the window in the library. He stood with his back to me and his hands in his tuxedo pants.
“But the back...” I murmured quietly.
“The back is all lace. No one will see your scar,” he reassured.
I finally made it to the final step, adjusting the silk belt tied neatly around my waist.
“Addie,” he breathed.
I looked up and met his eyes. The moment I did, he let out a breath.
“You look incredible.” He smiled, walking over to me. “Here.” He picked up a square velvet box and handed it to me.
“What is this?” I asked, looking at the box.
“Open it,” he said, but I hesitated. “Come on, Addie, it’s a present. They taught us that much in high school,” he mocked. I rolled my eyes and opened my gift. Inside was a pair of breathtaking chandelier earrings.
“Are these real diamonds?” I asked nervously.
“Yes,” he replied, his voice confident. Taking the box from me, he plucked out one of the earrings.
“Daimon…I'm not sure if—” I stammered nervously.
“Shut up and fucking wear what I give you,” he barked, annoyed.
“I keep forgetting what a gentleman you are,” I fired back.
“Your problem, beloved, not mine,” he said with a smirk.
Daimon stepped away from me, waiting until I was finished putting on my earrings. He’d hardly spoken about the other day nor his mother. I didn't push it, considering how he wasn't pushing me either. Every day that passed, I felt like I was coming to terms with losing her. Did my pain go away? No, not exactly, but the heaviness I’d been carrying in my heart lifted, and for the first time, I felt like I could breathe. I looked over to Daimon and I smiled happily; his looked elegant in is perfectly tailored tuxedo.
