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“It’s too soon. I can’t pour my heart out yet. I’m not ready.”
“It’s been a month. I don’t u-understand…” she stammers.
“Because the moment I do, I’m scared he’ll look at me differently. I need to be prepared for that, know that I made the right decision in being honest with him, and be able to handle his reaction.” That’s the truth. There’s so much more he doesn’t know, and I’m scared he’ll run. I need to be strong, it’s the only way I can battle this so-called demon I carry.
“I understand, Char.”
We talk more about the wedding, the reception and, of course, the honeymoon. They are staying in a private resort in the Virgin Islands as a wedding present from Lex. Apparently, he is chummy with Richard Branson. Sometimes it’s like I don’t know him at all. He’s some billionaire mogul who mingles with the elite of the world.
“Adriana, is Lex really that wealthy?”
“We lost count years ago. God knows how many properties or investments he owns. We all got a fair share when my grandfather died, but Lex built this empire. He was unstoppable, but in saying that, he never spent his money either. He was either working, or… no wait, he was always working. I don’t think in eight years he has even taken a vacation.”
“Wow. He was never into that whole money thing before,” I mutter.
“No, he wasn’t, but it was like it possessed him. Not the money, per se, but the control. It was the only thing he could control in his life.”
I change the subject quickly, slightly uncomfortable talking about Lex’s wealth even though I’m the one to bring it up. I am not one of those women hung up on money, probably because I have my own. When my grandmother passed away, she left me her house in Connecticut and some money which she inherited from her father. I can never bring myself to sell the house, so I rent it out to a nice family who takes care of the place. I paid for my college and put a deposit on my apartment and used some to start our practice. The rest I placed into a savings account. Most of the time, I forget it’s even there. I don’t consider myself rich or anything, but I don’t have to worry about money either.
“So anyway, I forgot to tell you… one of my designers has a house in The Hamptons which she’s offered to let us use next weekend. Are you free? I’ve already asked Rocky and Nikki, and they are in with Will, of course. Eric has some festival thing on, so he can’t make it.”
“And Lex?”
I’m desperate to see him, hoping he’ll fly in earlier than anticipated. Several times I have contemplated flying to London for a few days, but the mixed messages I would give him could cause more harm than good.
“I haven’t been able to reach him this week. He must be busy or something. I’ll try again or maybe speak to his assistant. She’s my go-to when he ignores me.”
“Sounds like fun,” I tell her, grinning. “Count me in.”
LEX
After a quick session in the hotel gym, I pack my suitcase ready to leave for the airport.
It’s a little after nine when our flight takes off. I’m tired from the late night but still check my phone to answer work emails. Kate sits beside me tapping away on her laptop. It lasts about an hour before she shuts it down, obviously frustrated with something.
Normally, I’d ignore her, but I also can’t concentrate. Leaving New York no longer provides me with the relief I’ve grown accustomed to. And this feeling of anxiety is something I’m not comfortable with. Questions, scenarios, past reflections plague my mind. I’m leaving her behind, with him. I miss her like fucking crazy, and it will be two weeks until I see her next, and I am already counting down the days.
“Is something wrong?” I ask Kate, the sentiment taking her by surprise.
“It’s nothing, sir.”
“Look, I know I haven’t been the most pleasant person to be around, but if you need to offload something I can listen. Have you met my sister? Patience is a virtue.”
Kate laughs softly, careful not to disrupt the other passengers. Placing her phone into the
pocket of the seat in front of her, she wrings her hands nervously.
“It’s not like I’m your typical woman. I do believe in trust, but this long-distance thing is hard, and when people start filling your mind with things you question your judgment, especially when you know they’ve been out on the piss every night.”
Her British slang isn’t lost on me. I’m not exactly the best person to offer advice, but I’m a man and can offer a male perspective.
“So, you ask him directly if you think he’s being dishonest. Tell him that’s how you’re feeling. Only you will know if he’s telling the truth. Go with your instincts.”
“Kinda hard over the phone. I’ll wait until he comes back. I’d rather do this face to face so I can tell if he’s telling porkies.”
“Porkies?”
“Pork pies… um, lies,” she answers with a smile.
