“Hena!” Khala’s voice rang sharp and clear from outside the boathouse. “We’re running very behind, my dear!”
The man followed the sound. His eyes fixed on the door. Deciding. Debating.
“Please,” she croaked. “Don’t hurt her. She didn’t do anything.”
The doorknob began to turn. He bolted. In three long strides, he was at the back window, slipping out into the evening, leaving a trail of blood dripping in his wake.
A rustling sound pulled her back to the present, and Hena shivered. Some people believed it was important to face the past and heal one’s trauma, but her? She had no interest in doing so. She would much rather forget.
She heard footsteps. Reza was walking toward her. He wore khakis and a buttoned white shirt with blue embroidered flowers—the uniform for the groomsmen tonight, to complement the bridesmaids’ gowns.
“Sorry I couldn’t join you on the sailboat,” Hena said. “Lulu was tied up with wedding stuff, so I needed to go to the doctor’s appointment with my mother.”
“Family first,” he said. “How is she?”
“The doctor thinks this new combination of medicine they’ve started her on will do the trick, but she’s well beyond the highest doses for most of what she’s taking at this point.” Hena swallowed as she thought back to the cold, sterile room. The doctor’s grim expression. “Hopefully, this new prescription does the trick. The cough is completely tapping her out.”
“I’m sorry, Hena. I can’t begin to imagine.”
“Yeah. Well.” Hena forced a shrug. “How was sailing?”
“I didn’t go.”
“Why not? You were looking forward to it.”
He shrugged. “Figured I’d wait for you.”
“Aw, I’m sorry.”
“Why?” He tilted his head and gave her a smile. “I’d say you’re worth the wait.”
“Good to know,” she said, keeping her tone light, hoping he didn’t detect the flush in her cheeks. She looked out at the hedge maze across from them. Reza followed her gaze.
“Have you tried going through it yet?” he asked.
“I know myself. I’d get lost.”
“Why don’t we check it out together?”
“Yeah?” She turned to look at the wedding hall behind them. “I think the fireworks are set to go off soon…and the maze looks a little creepy at night, doesn’t it?”
“Don’t be scared.” He gave her a solemn look. “I’ll keep you safe.”
She arched a brow. “Cheesy much?”
“A little?” he admitted. “Seriously, it’s all lit up. Looks fun.”
What was the harm? Besides, she wasn’t about to pass up a chance to spend time with Reza.
They walked down the steps and crossed the lawn. Up close, the maze was taller than it had appeared from the balcony. The hedges towered over them, and the leaves were sharp and spiky. The path inside was paved and narrow. But with the unexpected twinkle lights threaded throughout the interior of the maze, and Reza by her side, it felt like they’d left the Everglades entirely, crossing into a place that belonged only to them.
“I think Lulu took the maze concept a little too seriously,” Hena said as they walked. “This thing isintricate.Is there an actual way out?”
“I have a feeling we’re almost through. Let’s go left,” Reza said, confidently leading them to a dead end for the second time.
“Wrong again.” She poked him. “Some protector you are.”
“Maybe I overestimated my navigation skills,” he conceded.
