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“Yes, I can.” He sighs but says nothing more for a long while.
I know he loves me. He’s proven it many times. Even today, when he could tell I wasn’t in the mood, he tried to win me over. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have fun with him in town. He took Amelia and me to my favorite restaurant, then shopping for the perfect riding boots. He even bought her a pair—though she wouldn’t be caught dead on a horse—after which, she bolted to sneak around with her secret boyfriend. She did it because she trusts Diego will keep her secret the same as I do.
God, I wish I did love him. I sigh too, saddened by my inability to rule over my own heart. Wishing that he made me feel something more than a warm trickle with his touch. Wishing it because I care for him and because I know what’s expected of me. We grew up together. He’s the son of Genaro Arcos, a wealthy land owner. Iwillend up marrying him.
Then I’ll forever wonder what it was I craved. That thing that seems to be just beyond my grasp. The thing he doesn’t have.
“Diego, I—”
“I think I’m going to be sick,” he interrupts and runs, leaving me standing there staring after him.
The band starts another song, this one more upbeat than the last, and to my surprise, the dance floor almost fills up again. My parents are both watching lazily from the long family table sitting on a platform, and my brother disappeared a while ago with his latest conquest.
Amelia comes to stand beside me. “Where’s Diego?”
“He drank too much.”
“Mmm.” She covers her mouth as if she’s about to throw up as well.
“You too?” She shakes her head, and for the first time, I notice her sunken features and pale skin. “Are you okay?”
She smiles and hugs me. “It’s been a long day. I’m going to bed.”
“So soon?”
“It’s one in the morning. I’m done. Love you!” she says over her shoulder as she walks away.
“Love you too.”
With everyone who would keep tabs on me occupied, I decide it’s time. After taking one last glance toward my parents, I move as quickly as I can without drawing attention to myself and head toward the stables to claim my freedom, if only for tonight.
