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As the sun rises and warmth fills the room, I am gently jostled awake by two arms and sweet lips that trace my bare back.
This is how every morning should be.
“Tell me I am dreaming,” I whisper out into the room as I feel feathery kisses along my spine. Tenderness fills my heart with such love.
“Not a dream. It’s just us,” he whispers against my skin. “Care for breakfast?”
“Mmhm…” I moan.
“Why don’t you shower and meet me in the kitchen?”
I turn over and see the most amazing sight. His eyes shine bright in this morning’s light.
“What?” he asks, confused.
I lean up and kiss his sweet lips. “I’m thankful this morning,” I say.
“Join me when you are done. I’ll wait for you.” He kisses my shoulder and rolls out of bed.
For a moment, I just I watch him shuffle around the room after he throws on a pair of shorts then leaves with a wink. Even after everything, it’s hard to think that this is my real life. Sitting up, I gather the soft threads around my torso, covering myself. I rake my fingers through my tangled hair, unable to help the smile that plays along my lips.
Swinging my legs off the bed, I get up and walk around the bedroom again to see it in the daylight. Looking at all the simple and thoughtful things, I don’t think Victor ever realized that means more to me than a dollar bill. The pictures he framed, seeing my reflection in the glass. I don’t think I’ve ever looked this happy. The thoughtfulness of my favorite magazines and auto books. My head snaps at the paintings on the wall. I bite the inside of my cheek to suppress a squeal when I notice there isn’t a TV here. Because there are better things to do, right? Honestly, it’s the folded clothes on the chair in the corner. I don’t know why, but a man who thought of being first in every way possible folded my clothes.
My bare feet carry me to the bathroom. On the far wall, there is an enormous window that faces the ocean. Bright orange, yellow, and red hues paint the sky, welcoming me to a new morning. The white tips of the waves call to me. Cheering me on this new adventure. A giggle tickles at my lips when I realize that this floor to ceiling window gives the illusion of an outdoor shower. Another way to match his lifestyle with mine.
I take my time showering, soaking in the moment. There is a sense of freedom in a calm love. There is no rush, no fight, nothing holding me back. Drying myself, looking at my reflection, the hardness I kept up as a front has faded. My lungs fill with fresh air.
I walk down the hallway but stutter my steps. Victor’s voice carries with such a harsh tone. I stop short and look around the corner to see him on the phone. His back is to me and his shoulders are stiff. His entire demeanor is taut. He’s in a heated conversation with whoever he is on the phone with.
“I’m sorry you feel that way. You interfered in my case, and that is unacceptable.”
“I was not slacking on my work. I was up to speed on everything at every single point. The only thing that interfered with my job was you, Father.”
I silently gasp. I continue to listen as I lay my head against the wall.
“How I conduct business is none of your business. You have never interfered in my work until now. Why?”
“Don't talk about her like that! No, I changed. It wasn’t her fault. Don’t you dare put this on her, I pursued her.”
His father’s voice carries over the silence. Muffled, but I can still hear the displeasure in his voice.
“You are stepping over the line, old man. Watch it.”
I feel like I am watching a car wreck. It’s horrible, and I can’t look away. Guilt feeds my veins, knowing that I caused his argument with his father. I can’t seem to make my feet move. They are planted in place and I am forced to hear more.
“The other location is less populated and counteracts the higher price tag. It’s also an area the judge has wanted to improve for years but could never get the government on board. We finally had an agreement, and then this area would be left alone. I had it all worked out, and then you fucked it up. Not only that, you went behind my back!”
Victor is huffing into the phone.
“That is why I quit. You overstepped and now are talking about Collins that way.”
“I am sorry, but that is unacceptable. Janet has my shares to be sold. I don’t care if it gives up the controlling share in the firm. My resignation is firm. I will not come back, I will no longer work for you, and I will no longer be in contact with anything, business or family. Blood is not thicker than water. Not in our family.”
My mouth falls slack at his statement.
“Until you accept Collins is the one for me, I’m not giving her up for anything or anyone! She’s my future. If she isn’t welcome at your table, then neither am I.”
I’m fighting to stay upright.
