Page 14 of His Bride

“You’re an actor?”

“Not really. I’m not hirable.”

“I find that hard to believe. You look flawless in that dress, and don’t get me started on that hair.”

“Thanks Eli.”

“We’re here,” he says, pulling up in front of the hotel.

“Good luck on Saturday,” I say, punching in a tip for the man. Five thousand dollars should help him have a great honeymoon. Once Matilde and I get settled, I’ll be taking her to Paris. She sounded so wistful.

Eli’s phone pings. He looks at it as I open the car door.

“Uh, thank you. Did you mean to tip me that much?”

“Of course. Enjoy your week, don’t work yourself to death.”

“Oh, my God. Thank you,” he says, extending his hand to me. I shake it. I pull a card out of my pocket.

“You’re welcome. If you ever want to be a professional driver, call me. We could use you on our team.”

“O’Shaughnessy? I know that name… the mobster?”

“I prefer violent businessmen, but yes. Call me when you get home from your honeymoon.”

“I will. Thank you.”

We get out of the car, and he drives off. I have her hand in one of mine and our bag in the other.

“How much did you tip him?” she asks as we walk into the hotel.

“Five thousand.”

“Dollars?” she sputters.

“Yes. He seems like a good guy.”

“How could you possibly know that?”

“I can read people.”

“Hmm,” she says as we reach the reception desk.

“Welcome to the Boston Tea Hotel. Checking in?”

“Yes. O’Shaughnessy.”

“Ah, yes. The newlyweds. In the Presidential Suite. Your elevator is on the left. Just hit P, and it will open in the living room. Your key is the only one that will open the doors. I have taken the liberty of sending chilled champagne and strawberries up. They are in the refrigerator upstairs. Congratulations, and thank you for choosing us to spend your wedding night with. The charges have already been taken care of.”

“Thanks,” I say, taking the key from him.

I have to force myself to keep steady and not run across the lobby to the elevator. I swipe the key card, and the doors open immediately. I pull her into the car and swipe the card again, pressing the P. I feel her stiffen again next to me.

“Are you nervous, Matilde?”

“No. Of course not.”

I lean down and press a kiss on her bare shoulder.

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