Page 26 of Reckless Vow

Am I really doing this? Are we really doing this? Haven’t we hurt each other enough already?

In a rush of memories, regrets and unresolved feelings for this woman, I hesitate. Unable to push the ring all the way down, but even less willing to take it back.

For almost ten years I’ve been suspended in limbo, never truly understanding why she didn’t come. Why she decided to never see me again.

So many unanswered questions. Even more regrets and resentment.

In many ways, this feels like forever. Or maybe a part of me wishes it was. I better bury that part deep.

Perhaps a year with her will give me some answers, help me accept, find forgiveness or understanding.

All things I never realized I wanted. Needed. Or maybe we can find out what if…

Brook’s hand trembles slightly in mine and, fully aware I might be making the biggest fucking mistake… or the best decision of my life, I slide the ring on her finger.

Chapter9

Brook

“Iswear he had second thoughts, and what’s worse—it scared me. Like there’s a part of me that really wanted to go through with it.”

I almost whimper and my friend Saar squeezes my hand.

“Of course you did. You needed to get married and stop your horrible grandmother from distributing her wealth to spread evil.”

The small bistro down the street from the dance school is almost empty at this time of day, the lunch hour finished and the dinner crowd not yet pushing in.

“I made you a plate of tapas to enjoy with your wine.” Cora, the owner, puts a tray in front of us. “Are you going to dance?”

“Yes, I’m taking my friend.” I introduce Saar to Cora.

“I wish I could join you.” Cora sighs.

Ever since I started coming here I enjoyed the food, but mostly the company of the feisty owner. Today, the spark is dimmed in her eyes.

“You’ll join us one day. You work too hard.” I try to give her an encouraging smile.

She put her life on hold to run this place, founded by her grandfather, after her father got sick.

“Yes, one day I’ll have people working for me and I’ll dance every day.” She utters a humorless chuckle.

“That sounds like a brilliant plan.” Saar raises her glass.

“Enjoy, ladies, I better go catch up on paperwork before the evening rush starts.” Cora smiles at us and trudges behind the small bar counter.

“She seems nice,” Saar comments.

“Yeah. She’s wonderful. But so busy, she has no time to enjoy her life. Hopefully she can join us for the class soon.”

I smooth my dress. My fucking wedding dress.

After the ceremony, Baldo tipped the clerk to take a few pictures of us. We posed, pretending to be a genuine couple, and then we left.

Baldo announced he had business to take care of and got me a cab. I went home, picked up my dance bag and messaged Saar. She has been wanting to try my burlesque class for a while, and I could use the company.

I didn’t change clothes. I was going to but… Fuck me if I know why I didn’t.

I’m grateful Saar is here because I needed someone who’s not family to listen to me, to accept the situation and help me sort through my feelings.

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