Renee, Renee, Renee.
BrandiI pull up, hop out of the car, and make my way to the door. After pressing the doorbell, Carina finally opens it.“Hey, Brandi.”“Where is he?” She steps aside.“He fell asleep, so maybe you can leave him until tomorrow.” I ignore her and head into the living room, where he’s lying on the couch. At least he’s fully dressed and not in her bed, but I’m still pissed. What if he hadn’t called me? What would they be doing? I clench my fist as I call out to him.“Giovanni!” I shout. I’m furious, but I know I have to stay calm, or I’ll end up killing both him and her.“Giovanni, get up!” He doesn’t budge.“He’s out. Why don’t you both sleep here?” she suggests. I frown, move closer to him, and punch his arm, jolting him awake.“What?” He sits up and looks around.“See, he’s up. We’ll be on our way, but thanks for the offer.”“Fenice—fenice, is that you?” He staggers to his feet and wraps his arms around me. Normally, I’d be thrilled to be in his arms after a week apart, but right now,
“Huh? What about me?”“I ch…” I pause. I want to tell him I’m choosing him, but I should talk to Gianna one more time first.“It’s nothing. You always know how to make me feel special.” He smiles and kisses my lips.“That’s my job. And now,” he checks his watch, “I should get out of your hair. I’m sure you have things to do, and I need to get to work.”“You’re leaving?”“Yeah, I figured you’d kick me out soon anyway.” I chuckle.“I wouldn’t kick you out—just a gentle shove.”“Well, I’m leaving on my own accord. You needed space, and because of my drunken fuck-up, you had to spend the night with me.”“Well, except for the picking-you-up part, it wasn’t so bad.”“Which part was good?” he asks.“The part where I got to see you. I missed your touch.” He slips his hands under my shirt, caressing my bare skin.“I have some time. I could touch you all over now.” I sigh as heat rises where he touches.“That sounds amazing, but I have a busy day,” I say, brushing my lips against his for a peck
ColeI stare at the house for a second as I contemplate whether I should turn back. I’ve been sitting here for the last twenty minutes, and although I have to do this, I always promised myself I wouldn’t enter this place again. It’s filled with so many horrible memories I wish I could bury—memories of her abuse and my inability to protect her all those years ago. Her smile pops into my head, and I can’t help the joy and peace it brings me. I never thought I would be lucky enough to see that smile again. After that night, I ran away because I couldn’t face her. I couldn’t face the hatred that would be in her eyes when she looked at me. But she smiled at me. She doesn’t hate me. She doesn’t love you anymore, either, a voice says in my head, crushing the joy I felt earlier. That’s right; she doesn’t love me. She’s in love with someone else. I am happy she found love, and from how he acts, it’s clear he loves her, too. I am happy for her. Or I want to be happy for her.But I still want her
GiovanniWith Fenice in my arms, I walk through the door of the chateau, bypassing the staff who are at the entrance to greet us. I put my hand to my lips as one of them is about to speak.“I’ll take her to bed,” I whisper to them before heading toward the staircase. She’s been sleeping since she fell asleep in the limo and slept through the entire ten-hour flight. She must have been exhausted, and I know waking up to get me probably contributed to it. What I did was pathetic. I have to do better for her sake. I could have hurt her if I’d gotten any more wasted and slept with Carina. I exhale as I gently place her on the bed and cover her with a blanket.“I promise I’ll do better from now on,” I declare. I know she can’t hear me, but as long as we’re together, I’ll do everything right to earn my place by her side. Although it still may not be enough because she’ll probably leave me. I wonder how many days we have left? I know she’ll pick Gianna soon, which means she’ll say goodbye to m
Brandi“Tell me if your foot hurts,” he says for the fifth time in the last fifteen minutes. It’s been three days since I twisted my ankle. It feels much better, but he’s been acting like I’m going to break whenever I try to walk around. He treats me like his most precious possession, carrying me everywhere in his arms. It’s been both sweet and annoying.“We should probably head back now.”“Bambino, I’m fine, look.” I jump up and down to show him my ankle is fine, but his face looks like he’s having a heart attack as he runs over to me.“Be careful, Fenice! Are you okay? Does it hurt anywhere?”“Tesoro, stop worrying. It doesn’t hurt.”“I know I’m being overly cautious—”Ring, ring, ring.He stops and pulls his phone from his pocket, glancing at it.“Sorry, I have to take this. I’ll be over there. Don’t run off and get yourself injured.”“I’m not a baby,” I pout. He smiles and kisses my lips.“I know; you’re my precious wife.” I blush as he kisses me quickly, then answers the phone and
Gianna3 Hours AgoI take a sip of my latte and glance at the petite blonde as she rubs her stomach. Emily looks adorable with her protruding belly. Would I look like that pregnant? I’m just as tiny as her, so I probably would, but I’m not in a rush to find out. Although I’m sure Carlos would make a great dad—unlike my own. I frown and push thoughts of him away.“Gianna, earth to Gianna!”“Huh?” I shift my eyes to Macy, another friend having lunch with us.“Are you coming with us to the registry?”“For the baby?”“Yes, what else could it be? You’re as bird-brained now as you were back then,” she snaps. I take a deep breath. It’s the third time she’s made a remark like this today, and my patience is wearing thin.“I’m the one who’s dumb, but I passed the MCAT on the first try, unlike you,” I mumble under my breath.“What was that?”“Nothing. Of course I’ll go with you.” I inhale and take another sip of my latte. Emily, Macy, and I are med students who went to med school together. We roo
I rub my eyes and glance at her, still lying in bed. It’s almost nine a.m., and she hasn’t woken up or moved at all. The tests came back fine, so why isn’t she waking up?“Coffee?” Carlos asks, shoving a cup in my face. I push it away and frown.“Why hasn’t she woken up yet?”“It takes longer for some people, but I can assure you she’s fine.”“If she’s fine, she should be awake by now, and you don’t seem to care!” I growl.“Papi, how many times have I told you…” a faint voice interjects.“Gia…”“Baby,” Carlos says as he runs over to her side.“Be nice to my boyfriend.” My eyes water as I pull her into my arms. I look up and whisper a silent thanks that my baby’s okay.“You scared me,” I say as I bury my face in her hair and kiss it.“Papi, why are you so emotional? What happened to me? The last I remember, I was at home in our closet.”“You overdosed on the painkillers you were taking.” Her eyes widen as she looks at Carlos.“Sweetie, you’re about to be a doctor. How could you let that
BrandiI turn the pipe off, grab a towel, and step out of the shower. Then I dry off, head to the vanity, and take a seat. Tes set it up for me a week ago and bought all my favorite items. He’s the best; I sigh as I grab the blow dryer. As I’m about to turn it on, I catch the dark circles under my eyes that have appeared because of my lack of sleep since Gianna O.D.’ed. It’s been a couple of days since then, but I can’t help thinking there’s more to the story than she’s telling us. My gut tells me it wasn’t an accident, but I don’t want to worry Tes without proof. The “what if” of it all keeps me up at night. What if I’m right? And my most fearful thought: What if it happens again, and she doesn’t make it next time? That would crush me and destroy him, so I want to help her if I can. But from the looks she’s given me the couple of times we’ve seen each other around the house, I can tell she has no interest in rekindling our friendship. Still, I’d feel better if someone monitored her, j
BrandiI sit in the chair waiting for the makeup artist to finish her work as my heart thunders in my chest. This is it. I’m getting married—I glance at the clock. Twenty minutes. I have been prodded, plucked, and tucked all morning, and now all I have to do is put on my dress and walk down the aisle to the man I love.“You’re still doing her makeup?” G asks as the door opens with a bang, and she comes rushing in. She has been in a frenzy since this morning.“Hey, G. You look amazing,” I say as I admire the champagne maid-of-honor dress she’s wearing. She stops and grins, then twirls to give me the full picture.“Don’t I—wait. Don’t change the subject. Why is she still doing your makeup? It’s almost time.”“I asked her to change the eyeshadow to something lighter,” I explain.“Oh, but we only have eighteen minutes.”“I’m almost done,” the makeup artist states.G paces back and forth. “How soon is almost? We only have seventeen minutes, and we need to get her dress on and do last-minute
MeanwhileBrandiI pull the covers tight and reach for a handful of popcorn as I focus on the TV. After cleaning yesterday, I have been flipping between crying and watching movies and TV shows. Except for two hours today, G convinced me to get my hair done because the wedding is tomorrow. I hope it is tomorrow, but I’m still uncertain what will happen because I haven’t spoken to Tes since I told him he has until Sunday to figure it out. I don’t know what he’s thinking, even suggesting postponing the wedding. How could he think I need more time? I’m so angry and hurt, I want to hate him. I should hate him right now for putting me through this, but I can’t. I miss him. I ache for his arms holding me. I miss his smile in the morning. I miss our family. I sniff as tears stain my cheeks.“Are you okay? Do you need anything? Ice cream?” Gia asks, pushing the tub of butter pecan toward me. I sigh, grab the spoon, and take a big bite. “Better?”I nod before taking another bite. “Your father is
GiannaI pull in through the gate and look around, stunned at the lawn covered in furniture. What is all this? I wonder as I park the car. Are they moving? Neither Dad nor B said anything before this. I slip out of the car and grab my purse before heading to the door, when I see Martha approaching.“Ms. Gia,” she says, smiling when she sees me.“Hey, Martha. Are Papi and B moving?”She shakes her head. “Mrs. Caputo woke up this morning, asked us to move the furniture outside, and started cleaning,” she explains.Mrs. Who? I furrow my brows when I realize she is talking about B. I guess she will be Mrs. Caputo in a couple of days. It feels so strange for her to marry Papi, but now I’m okay with it—happy even, since he makes her happy, and they gave me two of the cutest brothers in the world. I smile, thinking of their chubby cheeks.“Ms. Gia?” Martha calls, pulling me from my thoughts.“Oh, B asked you to move them out?” She nods.“She was in a frenzy this morning about getting the hous
BrandiTwenty minutes agoI examine the sample of birch wood on my desk. I like it, but I’m not in love with it like I am with the soft maple. I sigh. Why did the supplier have a shortage of the only wood I like? Well, it doesn’t matter. I have to choose one of these before the call. Shannon likes the ash, but ash is not durable enough, and I want people to pass these on to their kids, not throw them out.I need another opinion. Maybe I should have had Tes stop by with dinner and help me decide. I pick up my phone to call him but hesitate when I remember how tired he was today. Tes is already stretched thin with taking care of the boys, last-minute wedding prep, and getting his company ready for his absence during our honeymoon. Although he never complains, I’m sure he is exhausted. His only being able to have sex once last night is proof. That man never falls asleep before going at it at least twice.It’s a good thing this project is almost complete. Once we’re done picking the wood,
I need to find a doctor, but how do I do it on such short notice? I pull out my phone to call Jorge, my assistant.“Good morning, Boss. Are you coming into the office today?”“No. Jorge, I need a doctor.”“Oh, for what? Is Mrs. okay? My nephews?” he says, reacting as his usual dramatic self.“Fenice is fine, and so are the boys. I pulled my back last night and need to get it checked out. Can you find me a doctor? I need it today.”“I will be right on it.”“Thank you.”“You know, I had a problem once. I was in Colorado when my boyfriend at the time got a little rough. He was hitting it from the back. He can be a little rough.”“Jorge, is there a point to this story?”“Oh, right. So my back gave out. We were snowed in, so I couldn’t see a doctor. I did yoga for two days. My back felt brand new by the time we left.”“So you’re saying I should try yoga?”“Exactly. I bet it will have you feeling brand new, or you can go see those pill pushers who’ll pump you full of drugs and overcharge you
GiovanniWilliam pulls into the driveway and sighs. We chased her as far as the traffic cameras could track, but we eventually reached a dead end when she took a back road with no cameras. She’s smart, I give her that, and she is also striking to look at. I can see why William is enamored with her beauty, even though she is a thief.“What did she say to you?”“Huh?” I furrow my brows.“Brandi said she found you two together. Did she try to sleep with you?” he asks through clenched teeth. I can tell the thought of that pisses him off.“She walked in and pretended to be lost, then she fainted so I would catch her. I told her to drop the act, and Fenice walked in. I don’t know if she would have tried.” My voice trails off as I see him getting noticeably angrier.“Don’t worry. You’ll find her.”“How many men will she have fucked and used by then?” His eyes flash angrily.“What does it matter?”“They are touching something that’s mine—” His voice trails off when he realizes what he’s saying
I push the stroller towards the store, about to go meet Amber and G, who invited themselves last minute when she called this morning.“B,” I hear her call from behind. I turn slightly and see her coming fast, waving.“You brought them!” she squeals after seeing the stroller.“You wanted to see them. Here you go.” I push the stroller towards her and hand her their bag.“What’s all this?”“You asked me to bring them, so you’re going to look after them. I’m here to shop. Boys, your big sister will take care of you. Be nice,” I say, blowing each a kiss and then heading through the door of Hermès.“Wait. I don’t know—” I hear her behind me. “B, you can’t do this.” I sigh as she struggles to open the door while pushing the stroller. I roll my eyes, walk back to the door, and hold it open while she pushes it inside.“Why didn’t you bring one of the nannies?”“They are off on weekends when Tes and I are free. You wanted me to bring them, so you’re the nanny today.”“What? All I wanted to do wa
Brandi“Tes, come on.” I fold my arms as I wait for him to exit the car. We went shopping, and he agreed we would each pick an outfit we wanted the other to wear, and we got to choose the occasion it would be worn. He picked out a white dress and a matching lingerie set. The dress is to be worn to his birthday dinner next Tuesday, and the lingerie for tonight. I picked an outfit for our date in the park: dark-washed jeans, a tight-fitting t-shirt with a black leather jacket, and combat boots. He has been complaining since he stepped out of the dressing room, but a deal is a deal.“Tes, come on,” I call again, growing impatient.“I don’t think this is a good idea. I should go home and change,” he says, still sitting in the car.“We made a deal. You picked my dress, and that string you want me wearing tonight. If you want to see me wear that tonight, come out of the car.” He frowns as he steps out.I smile as I look at him. He does not know how good he looks, but I’m sure he’ll turn a fe
BrandiI take a sip of the shot, trying to pace myself because I already feel a little too good, and I know I’m on my way to being drunk for the first time in my life. I look at the shot and then watch as Gianna downs another one. Tonight reminds me of high school when she would get wasted, so I would have to take care of her. I guess some things never change. I put the glass down on the bar top.“No, no, no. What are you doing?”“I have already had five. You’re on your seventh.”“Eight. I brought you here to get drunk and party our asses off.”“One of us needs to stay sober and make sure nothing happens.”“We’re in Uncle William’s club, surrounded by security. Nothing will happen.”“You never know—”“B, he’s gone. You can relax,” she says as she picks up and hands me the shot.She doesn’t say another word; instead, she turns back to the bar and orders more shots. I look at the shot in my hand as her words play in my head. I know she is talking about Colin. It’s true that in the past,