Page 137 of A Temporary Forever

My hair gets pulled into a simple chignon. With shaky hands, I apply my red lipstick.

I make another futile attempt at finding my watch, but it’s nowhere to be seen. I’ve been looking for it since last night, but I must have lost it. The thought brings in tears, and a sense of foreboding.

My connection with… I shake my head.

It’s going to be okay. I don’t even have to lie. Thishas become a real marriage. I’ve been repeating this mantra all morning, but it does shit for me.

I threw up twice already, barely making it to the guest bathroom because I didn’t want Caleb to hear me. Who knew sharing a bedroom would have a disadvantage?

When I make it down, Caleb is in the kitchen. Dressed in a tailored navy suit, he looks perfect. Untouchable. In charge.

It hits me that if I get deported, I’m going to lose this man. It’s probably a silly thought, but the weight of it pools around the crevices of my eyes, stinging.

When Caleb turns, his signature espresso looking tiny in his large hand, a tear rolls down and I wipe it angrily. Jesus, I’m such a mess.

He puts the cup down and rushes to me. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I’m just nervous.”And I feel even more freaked out because of my watch.I don’t tell him that. He’s been eyeing me with suspicion for wearing it anyway. Probably wondering why I keep all three watches he gave me in their boxes.

He kisses my crown. “I’m coming with you, and Dominic will be there as well. It’s a formality.”

“You keep saying that, but just the idea of entering a government building makes me want to throw up.”

“Which you already did, so there’s nothing else to puke out.” He winks, wrapping his arms around me.

I groan. “You heard that?” I bury my head in his chest.

He chuckles. “Can I make you a tea for the road?”

I shake my head.

“Or I can fuck you in the car on the way there to distract you.” He takes my hand and leads me to the elevators.

“Can you be serious,” I snarl, surprising us both. I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Merde. Sorry.”

The elevator door opens. “Take it all out on me, black swan. I’m giving you a free pass.”

I sniffle. Jesus, I’m such a mess. “Thank you.”

“You can thank me later. On your knees.” He winks.

“Caleb,” I warn.

The elevator opens and we get into the car.

“Mia is coming this weekend. I’m going to call Reese today and see if we can go out of town,” Caleb says.

“That’s a great idea.” I try to force myself to chat with him, but my mind remains frozen.

“I was thinking a theme park. Is she too old for it?”

I know he’s mostly trying to distract me. We can easily make these plans after my interview. When mybrain returns, and my heart resumes its usual healthy cadence. “I’m sure she’d love that.”

A yellow cab brakes, barely avoiding a pedestrian. One man bumps into another, spilling his coffee. A young woman holding an umbrella balances a stack of folders as she enters a building.

Life on the streets of New York passes in its typical bustling nature, while we wait on what seems the longest red light.

“Celeste,” Caleb’s voice startles me. “You weren’t listening.”

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