(Winona)I’m lying on Lisa’s couch, scrolling through my phone, when Lisa bursts through the door.“Oh. Look who’s not at work,” Lisa says, kicking off her heels and tossing her bag onto the chair. “What gives? You could have come to lunch with the girls.”I glance up, raising an eyebrow. “Took the week off. Figured I deserved a break before the wedding.”“Is that the only reason?” She stares at me, smirking like she’s onto something. “You avoiding anyone in particular, maybe?”I sit up and stretch. “Nope. Just thought it’d be nice to have a week to focus on the wedding, not stress about work and free myself up to be with the kids.”Lisa drops down on the floor in front of me, crossing her legs. “Mmm-hmm. You sure? Because Lance called me earlier, and guess what he said.”I sigh, the in-house gossip is as strong as ever. “What?”“He said Phillip mentioned seeing you at the club Sunday night,” she says. “Was he? Phillip wasn’t there when I was there.”I keep my face neutral. “Yeah, I s
(Cass)This break has been perfect so far. We’re sitting outside, the warm Cancun breeze brushing against my skin as the sun dips below the horizon. Gabriel’s next to me, all smiles and charm. I’m really so lucky. We’re waiting for Maria as Ana and Eva are flying home tomorrow. We decided to have a family dinner here at the resort Gabriel and I are staying at.Ana and Eva talk in broken English about their flights tomorrow. Mia is cracking jokes, her energy contagious as the good vibes keep rolling.Ana raises her glass, giving a mock-serious look. “Here’s to leaving behind the glorious American Dream.”“Ah, don’t pretend like you’re not going to miss the hamburgers and pizza,” I joke, lifting my own glass. Because she’s joking right?“Please,” Eva snorts. “Bad food isn’t enough to keep me in the land of the privileged who constantly complain about everything.”They all laugh, and for a moment I feel like I’m different to them.Well, I am. But it’s never been an issue. I brush it of
(Winona)“Mommy, can you help with my doll’s house after dinner?” Abby asks, her voice innocent and sweet. I smile at her, nodding.“Of course, Sweetie.”Jayden catches my eye across the table, and I can see the flicker of something in his gaze. I know him well enough to know that this conversation about Phillip will happen and it probably won’t be easy.After dinner, I help Abby and tuck her into bed, giving her a soft kiss on the forehead. I do the rounds and chat with Bobby and Sarah before saying goodnight. I check back in on Abby. She’s dozed off.I take a minute to be thankful for her health lately. Her heart checkups have all been great.I head back to the living room where Jayden’s waiting. He’s sitting on the couch, his arms crossed, his face set in that tight, unreadable expression he uses when he’s pissed but trying not to show it.I sit down next to him, but there’s a gulf between us. It feels like miles.“So,” he says, breaking the silence. His voice is calm, too calm. “P
(Winona)My body is heavy with the satisfying ache of last night. I stretch, feeling the soreness in my muscles, a reminder of how intense it all was.Jayden is lying next to me, his arm draped lazily over my waist, his breathing deep and even. He looks so peaceful, so content, like everything in the world is exactly as it should be.And for a moment, I let myself believe that it is.Last night was... different. It wasn’t like before, when we were still figuring things out, still cautious. This time, there was no hesitation. Jayden was sure of himself, of me, of us.He didn’t second-guess, didn’t hold back.He took what he wanted, and so did I. I responded to him like I hadn’t in years.It was raw, desperate, and exactly what I needed. There was also a vulnerability in him I could feel. Like he wasn’t sure he’d keep me. That I might find someone else to love. I think a little fear like that is healthy.But what I’d done was let that healthy fear turn into something that festered. The
(Cass)Gabriel’s outside on the balcony, pacing back and forth on another phone call, probably arguing with someone about business. He’s been on edge ever since dinner last night, and I’m starting to feel the strain.There a knock on the suite door. Maybe Gabriel ordered room service. I open it to see Gus standing there.“Gus,” I say, surprised to see him. “What’s up?”“I’m heading back to the U.S. soon,” he says. “I have some urgent business to take care of. Just wanted to check in on you before I left.”I raise an eyebrow. Why’s he suddenly acting all protective? This smells of Winona sending him to check up on me. Honestly, they think I’m ten years old.“I’m fine,” I say, forcing a smile. “Gabriel and I are heading back on Friday. I’ll be there for Winona’s hen’s night.”Gus nods. “Alright,” he says slowly. “But if you need anything, don’t hesitate to call me.”“I know Winona sent you, so you can tell her I’m just fine.”“Take this anyway.” He hands me a small card with his number
(Winona)The music is loud, vibrating through the walls of the club as Lisa pulls me by the hand, laughing like we’re back in college. She’s always been the life of the party, and tonight is no different.I’m trying to get into the swing of things, but my mind keeps wandering back to Cass. She isn’t here but she should be.The text she sent earlier still feels a little off. I mean, Cass loves hiking, sure, but why now? Especially with my wedding just two days away. I shake my head, pushing the worry aside.I’m overthinking it. Again.Cass wants her freedom. I have to give it to her.“Babe, stop frowning like you’re solving world hunger. It’s your hen’s night!” Lisa shouts over the music, handing me another cocktail. “You’re supposed to be having the time of your life.”I take the drink, forcing a smile. “You’re right. I’m here to have fun.”“That’s my girl!” Lisa beams, raising her glass. “To getting you married off… finally!”We clink glasses, and I take a long sip, letting the alcoh
(Winona)“You and me, no strings attached. Just fun. You’ve got a hall pass, right? No one would be better at showing you what you’re missing.”I laugh, shaking my head, though the alcohol is making everything seem lighter, less serious than it should be. “You’re insane.”“Think about it,” Lance presses, his voice smooth, persuasive. “I’m not talking about love. This isn’t about some emotional thing.”He’s joking right?“You deserve someone who can take you places you haven’t been yet. Someone you already know you trust.”“Lance…” I start, trying to form a response that will shut him down without making things awkward.“Come on, Winona. You’re curious, I can see it in your eyes. You and I both know we’re not made for a relationship, but I can give you a damn good time.”I’m about to brush him off again, but something in the way he says it makes me pause. The words are sliding into my brain, coaxing thoughts I probably shouldn’t be having.Lance is, well, Lance—sexy, confident, and mor
(Winona)The sun creeps in through the drapes, harsh and uninvited. My head feels like it’s been hit with a sledgehammer. My body is heavy with the familiar ache of too much alcohol and dancing. And orgasms.Okay, maybe too many orgasms aren’t a thing. I know I sure hit my quota.I feel the heat rise to my cheeks and there’s a twinge deep inside me. I think I crossed every line there is to be crossed. Never say never, I guess. I smile.Anyway, it’s done and guess what? I know marrying Jayden is right for me.I shift slightly under the soft sheets, taking stock of my week of freedom.And as much as I want to forget it, the memory of last night comes crashing back. The drinks, the dancing... Lance, that man, there were women, the things that happened afterwards.I groan, pulling the sheet up over my head. My bed is now empty, and for that, I’m grateful. There's no need to deal with the awkwardness of morning-after conversations. No regrets to address, no apologies to make.I had fun l