Page 29 of Reckless Vow

I stumble through the class distracted, turning the wrong way, almost bumping into another dancer while forgetting the steps of the choreography.

When the class is finally over, I rush Saar toward the changing rooms, hoping we can squeeze out of there before coming under more scrutiny.

“What are you doing?” Saar protests. “I haven’t seen Celeste for years. I want to catch up with her.”

Ever since Paris introduced me to burlesque, Celeste has become a friend. And under any other circumstances, I’d want to hang out with the two women I love and admire.

“Okay, let’s wait for her.” I groan.

As soon as I say it, Celeste comes out of her office, beautiful as ever in her curves-hugging dress with a low neckline. Any other woman might look like she is trying too hard to look sexy. Celeste wears it effortlessly and with grace.

Today, a frown distorts her glamorous appearance. Shit. I told Saar the truth. I’m sure there is no harm in sharing it with Celeste.

We walk out of the studio together and I’m hoping we can just avoid the topic of my unexpected nuptials.

“Are you okay? Has he forced you?” Celeste stops and rubs her hand up and down my arm, her eyes filled with concern.

I frown, my mind running a mile a minute, but I come up empty-handed. What is she talking about? Why would she think Baldo forced me?

“You told me how toxic that relationship was, so I’m just surprised you would jump into marriage with him.”

I let out a stranded chuckle of relief. “Oh, Celeste, I didn’t marry Dylan.”

I shake my head, grinning like an idiot. Because here I was worried she saw through my lie, while Celeste assumed I married my ex.

“I didn’t remember his name, but you dated the guy and then you came here, so…” She eyes me with suspicion.

“You thought she married Dylan.” Saar snorts. “I would drag her to my lawyer to file an annulment if that was the case.”

Neither of them has ever met Dylan, but after I told each of them about his tantrums and scenes, about his need to instigate fights all the time and his overbearing, unhealthy jealousy, neither of my friends is a fan of him.

“So, who is your husband?” Celeste puts her hands on her hips, her voice laced with exasperation.

The word husband hits like a punch to my gut. It wouldn’t have any significance if my groom was anyone but Baldo.

“Don’t do that,” Saar reprimands, and I realize my cuticle is at my mouth.

I force a smile and face Celeste. “Do you have a gig tonight or can you come out with us? I’ll fill you in.”

Chapter10

Brook

“You need to fuck him,” Celeste yells.

We’re in a VIP box at some club Saar recommended because she knows the owner, but there is hardly any privacy and conversation is mostly screamed over the loud music.

I laugh and raise my glass, “To fucking my husband!”

We drain our cocktails and dissolve in a fit of giggles.

Two men approach our table and Saar flips them off. “She’s a married woman,” my friend slurs, and another round of laughter grips us.

The night has been a success, if I may say so. I needed this. Dance, drink and laughter. Forget about the man I married earlier today.

About his haircut, my wedding dress, and the ring. About all the feelings he stirs in me like the years have never passed.

But they did pass, and we’re not who we used to be. Not anymore. I wish my body would get on board with that idea.

---