Page 55 of Yours, Forever

We said goodbye and took the car back to Max's condo, so the hairdresser could start with my hair after the lunch Max's chef prepared for us.

I was pampered by everyone, including my husband of convenience, all day. By the time the rings arrived with the rest of the jewelry and the dress, I'd gotten my heart under control.

I could enjoy the night and indulge in the fantasy of it all.

I'd go back home the next day, and settle back to the new, slightly off life that Max had brought with him.

Chapter 17

Max

Eva and I enteredthe event hall hand-in-hand. Unsure of whether we'd attend or not, I had ignored the messages about this year's theme. We discovered it together; based on the décor, it had to do with sustainability. Flowers and luscious green everywhere, dense like a forest even on the ceiling. Warm, golden light shone from a million sources, all in different sizes and intensity; some of them glowed from the table centerpieces, but many more were hidden among the leaves above us.

"This party looks incredible," Eva said by my side. "You know the mansion on the island? They say they used to have big parties back in its glory days. I imagine something like this; people dressed impeccably, mingling in glamoroussurroundings… but with a moody ocean breaking waves against the rocks, for dramatic effect."

"You paint a lovely picture, but not as lovely as you are tonight. Did I say yet how magnificent you look?"

She bit the inside of her lip. "Thank you. You look incredible tonight, as well. I’ve never seen a tux like yours. Is it a type of velvet?"

"Lightweight matte velvet, yes. The lapels are in a silk blend, though. That's why they have a sheen to them."

"Very handsome." She smiled and looked at some of the people close by. "I love the effect of the black buttons on your white shirt."

She had never been this generous with compliments, and I reveled in them. I suspected that, if I asked, she would explain it had to do with the thousand witnesses around us. In my mind, I let myself imagine we had gotten close enough for that. Maybe more, if I were brave.

I took her left hand and admired her rings. Gave her a kiss on the hand. "You light up the place, darling."

She gave me eyes that sparkled with humor; she must have decided I exaggerated my admiration. Something told me she didn't want to know how my words anchored in something real.

She fit by my side.

"Max?"

Gabe and Lina smiled at our side.

I grinned. "Gabriel! Catalina!" I hugged them. "So happy to see you."

"I've missed you," Gabe said.

"You too. So happy to see you… and get to introduce you to Eva."

I offered my hand to her; she took it and stepped into our little group. She smiled; my heart skipped a beat.

"I'm glad to meet you. Is it okay if I give you a quick hug?" Gabe opened his arms in invitation. "It feels wrong if I don't, since you're married to one of my best friends. It's okay to say no, of course."

"Sure, why not." Grin still in place, Eva gave my friend a quick hug.

"Then I would like one too." Lina hugged Eva as well. "Vi and I feel a bit lonely among the guys. We needed more femme energy."

Eva returned to my side and I couldn't help it. I held her hand again.

"That's my sister, Violeta," Gabe explained. "I don't think you've met her yet. She wasn't on the call."

"You'll meet her for Semana Lagunina, though." Lina put an arm around Gabe. "We can't wait to visit your town."

"Violeta is such a beautiful name. I should call herVee, too? That's what you said, right?"

"Yes. V-I when written, in case you end up texting, but you said it right."