Page 60 of Reckless Vow

To my husband.

* * *

I fidget with the napkin for the hundredth time. Dinner is in the oven, our counter corner set up. Only Baldo is missing.

I considered calling him to find out when he’s coming home, but after the way we left things last night, I don’t want to nag him.

But if I’m stuck here waiting much longer, I might chicken out. Am I even strong enough to tell the story twice in one day?

Celeste thinks it would be easier. The longer I wait the harder it will be, and the farther apart I grow from Baldo. Not that we’re together.

I pop a few Skittles into my mouth. My favorite comfort food is not doing it for me today.

The front door finally clicks, and I grab the bottle of wine and pour myself a glass, my hand shaking.

I take a fortifying sip. It tastes like shit after the candy. And it doesn’t do shit—I’m only more nervous.

It’s not so much that I want to tell him my side of our story, but that after the way we left things last night and this morning, there is another shitty conversation needed before we dive into the even shittier one.

Baldo halts in the entrance to the kitchen, a flash of surprise passing through his face before the typical arrogant, stony expression settles in.

“I ate in the city.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m not hungry, anyway.” I put another candy into my mouth.

“Obviously.” He quirks an eyebrow, eyeing the small bag in my hand.

“Oh, do you want one?” Maybe we can bond over Skittles.

He makes a face like I offered him a poisoned pile of mud. “I don’t eat candy, and I hate Skittles.”

“What? That’s grounds for divorce. Who hates Skittles?”

He looks at me unimpressed. Right. Stalling is not the way to go.

“I was hoping we could talk.” My throat tightens with the words.

A loud beeping interrupts the moment and I jump, spilling the colorful round candy. Baldo narrows his eyes, puzzled by my reaction.

Great, he must think I’m crazy, and I keep confirming it for him.

My phone dances on the counter, and we both look at the screen at the same time. Rupert Montgomery.

I groan, scrunching my face. He’s the last person I want to deal with right now.

Baldo looks at me and I shake my head.

I’m aware that I’m acting like a lunatic. Or a child. But I’ve been gathering courage all day, and this interruption would derail me.

Haven’t the Montgomerys disrupted enough already?

Baldo gives an exasperated sigh, hits the answer button and beckons with his head for me to speak.

“Hello?” I squeak.

I guess all my reactions paint a pitiful picture, because Baldo steps closer and puts his hand on the small of my back. Despite our relationship being frozen in an uncomfortable limbo, he offers his silent support.

Because that’s the man he is. Silent confidence with sincere kindness. Most of the time. He could improve on the execution though, because he can be a jerk.

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