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CHAPTERNINE
MARA-LEE
Ilook and smile, because I can’t remember the last time I opened presents like I was a little kid and sat with wrapping paper surrounding me. Amer got me too much, and he told me it wasn’t enough because of all the time we’ve lost. I had to admit it, but I’m glad he brought me here, because I’m in a better mood than what I was before we came here. Yes, I still have a lot of shit to work out, but he makes me feel safe. I know he won’t let anything happen to me.
“So, what do you think?” he asks as he pulls me to my feet and into his chest.
I wrap my arms around his waist and lay my head on his chest.
“I love everything, but it’s too much.”
“Nothing will be too much when it comes to you, Stellina. Don’t you worry about that. All I’m concerned about is if you like it.”
“I do, yes. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. Are you getting hungry?”
“A little.”
“Good. We have reservations for dinner at a Chinese restaurant not far from here.”
“That sounds good. Let me get my mess cleaned up and I’ll get ready.”
“No, leave it. I’ll have the housekeeper take care of it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, go get ready, Stellina.” He kisses my forehead and I release my hold on him.
I walk into the bedroom and look through the clothes that Amer bought for me, and I know they are expensive. There is a beautiful cream-colored sweater that is so soft with a small V and a black pair of pencil leg dress pants in the closet. I decide I’ll wear them together with a pair of black booties, and I grab everything and lay it out on the bed, making sure it will go together. I head to the bathroom to freshen up and then get dressed.
As I walk into the living room, I hear Amer on the phone. I stop and begin to walk backward out of the room, but he motions me into the room.
“Sorry, I was calling housekeeping to come in while we’re eating to take care of the trash.”
“It’s Christmas, Amer. I can clean up,” I say as I begin to pick up the trash.
“Stellina, you’ll do no such thing. We pay the staff well here and they won’t mind getting paid to clean for less than an hour. They live on the property, so it’s not that big of a deal.”
“If you’re sure they aren’t missing time with their families . . .”
“Trust me, they will be happy to do it.” He smiles. “You look beautiful by the way.” He stands from sitting on the couch and walks over to me, then takes my hand and spins me around so he can see the whole look.
“Thank you. I’m ready whenever you are.” I smile as I look up at him.
“Let me change my shirt, and I’ll be ready.” He winks and lets go of my hand.
As soon as he disappears, I move the trash in one pile to make it easy for housekeeping, and then I sit on the couch as I wait for him to change. I replay everything that has happened over the past twenty-four hours and I can’t believe this is real. Maybe life is finally going to treat me well, and I’ll gladly accept it.
I look up as I see Amer coming into the living room. He’s holding a winter coat in his hands and I stand as he helps me put it on.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. You’ll need it considering how cold it is out there. A lot colder than what you’re used to.”
I zip it up and pull the hood over my head, not caring what I look like. I want to be warm. We walk outside, and he holds the door open for me. His car is running so it should be warm when we get inside. The path to the car is clear, and when I get to the vehicle, Amer opens the door for me and helps me inside. Warm air wraps around me and I’m so thankful for heated seats. I take my hood down and unzip my coat half-way.
Amer gets into the car and we drive away from the cabin. The snow shimmers in as the last of the day’s sun shines through the trees. I feel like I’m in a snow globe as the wind stirs the powdery snow around us and I’m mesmerized by the way it floats in the air as we drive.
