Page 77 of Vows in Sin
Life has always been clear about one thing.
You can’t have it all.
Seraphina is young, beautiful, and strong.
She will move on.
27
Seraphina
After Reign left last night, I decided the least I could do for Tabitha now is to go back to my room and sleep alone. I lay there all night, on top of the covers, my robe tied around my waist, staring up at the shadows on the ceiling, hand resting over my stomach as it twisted in knots.
The sun rises, lighting the room and illuminating the truth.
I’m a terrible friend.
I keep imagining the feelings Tabitha must be going through. The horror of seeing us like that, your father balls deep inside?—
I’m going to be sick. I jump up from the bed, running to the bathroom to retch.
Tears stain my face as I recover. I don’t like the way I look in the mirror. A bad friend. I quickly turn away, showering and preparing for the day ahead.
I may have made a mess, but at least I can help with the cleanup.
Cleopatra was a schoolteacher in another life. Before Blaze, the Bachmans, this Estate. She’s fantastic with kids. We’re turning the pool house into a day camp headquarters. The place is already nicer than any summer camp I could imagine. Between the lake, the pool, and endless variations of tag, we’ll keep them happy.
The parents approved our plan to pause the kids' education. What they need is fun to distract them from their loss. And parents need space to think and plan their future.
I’m guessing that what Tabby needs right now is space. As I make my way to the pool house, I take the path as far away from the field as possible. The medical tents were supposed to be temporary, but with space limited, it’s working, and they’ve decided to keep their operation there.
Knowing Tabitha, she’s been under the canvas patching people up since dawn.
When the pool house comes into view, I spot Cleopatra and Ophelia. They’re grappling with a big white folding table.
I feel a pang about the changes coming, knowing from experience that no matter how cool a girl is, once she gets hitched, she’ll spend more time with her new family, disappearing from GNO and annual girls’ trips.
The table collapses, hitting the ground with a clatter. The girls laugh at their mistake, their heads bowed together as they retrieve the awkward thing.
“Here! Let me help.” I jog across the grass, wearing appropriate gear today: sneakers, cut-offs, and a white tee with the PalmVolts logo splashed across the back.
Yes, I totally thought it was a different shirt when I tossed it in the bag during my quick packing for this trip. It hurt to look at the logo when I pulled it out of my suitcase this morning.
I put it on as penance.
I grab an edge of the table and between the three of us, we’re able to get it set up. I tap the top. “Check in?”
“Yup.” Cleopatra throws a hand on her hip, eyeing me with a mischievous grin. “Speaking of checking in, anything you want to tell us this morning?”
“What do you mean?” Heat flashes over my face. No one knows. Do they?
Cleopatra reads my mind. “Everyone knows. There were whispers the second you and Reign shook hands.”
“Tabs? I’m glad my two biffs are getting along but WTF?” I narrow my gaze at the girls. “What else do you all know?”
They try not to giggle, but Ophelia’s Snow-White complexion gives way to a serious tell-tale blush.
I bury my face in my hands. “No! How did this happen?”
