Page 48 of How to Break My Heart
Besides planning this wedding for my sister.
On the car ride over, Everleigh was quiet. It didn’t help that I also had a lot on my mind. After leaving the café, I received a call from an investor who pulled out because of the pending lawsuit. My father, of course, ignored my calls and insisted on hitting the golf course again.
Then there was last night…
The old man came home on a bender, and my mother was his target. She wasn’t there yet, but that didn’t stop him from calling Madelina. He so brutally informed her, “Your mother needs toget her ass to Cinnamon Springs because her absence is making me look like a fool.”
I knew my sister was upset, and all I could do was hide his bottles of liquor to stop him from drinking more. Eventually, he passed out in bed.
Everleigh sits on the leather armchair next to me, listening to Eunice, the woman who played the violin, explain the notes of the song. It’s hard not to succumb to boredom, especially when the conversation shifts to Beyoncé being the greatest artist of all time. It doesn’t stop there when other notable female artists are brought up, and then it segues to women’s rights.
I’m starting to think these two women are more than a musical duo.
Beside me, Everleigh leans over to whisper, “I know you’re bored. I can see it all over your face.”
“I’m not bored,” I correct her, straightening my posture. “I’m unable to comprehend why music matters so much. My sister is walking down the aisle. Shouldn’t the wedding march suffice?”
“A wedding is about emotions,” Carol the cello player reveals. “It’s about finding the deepest connection with one person and vowing to spend your life with them. Music brings out these emotions.”
Everleigh nods, but she’s trying to keep a straight face. I observe her side profile, the way her lips deliciously press together while curving upward. She appears confident and poised, making me want to play and have fun with her.
Just admit it… you want to see her cheeks turn pink with anger.
I clear my throat. “You’ll have to excuse Miss Woods. She’s not a believer in romance.”
Everleigh snaps her head in my direction as her mouth opens wide in shock. “I’m not the player who brings women to my fancy penthouse and doesn’t let them sleep over. What’s the longest relationship you’ve ever had, huh?”
I’m amused by her willingness to bite back so quickly, but truth be told, I’ve never had a relationship.I fuck—end of story.
“So touchy…” The corner of my mouth rises teasingly. “Does your doctor friend tell you how he’s looking forthe oneto settle down with?”
The color of her cheeks slowly turns the perfect shade, satisfying my sick and twisted need to watch her argue with me over an unimportant matter.
Everleigh opens her mouth to give it back to me, but Carol interjects, “I have an exercise for the two of you. Since the bride and groom usually partake in our auditions, I would like you to stand up as we play the song for the first official wedding dance.”
“I’m sorry, Carol. What?” Everleigh shakes her head, panicked. “I willnotdance with him.”
“Hm… sounds like you’re scared of romance,” I mutter under my breath.
“Fine!” Everleigh stands, positioning herself in front of me. “I’ll dance with you. After all, this is for your sister, isn’t it?”
Carol and Eunice start playing their instruments as Everleigh says, “Just to reiterate, we are waltzing. That’s it.”
“If you say so.”
I watch her take a deep breath, then extend her arm to place her hand on my shoulder. As the music plays, I rest my hand on her hip and then secure her other hand in mine. We move to the tune of the Ed Sheeran song “Photograph.” Madelina requested they test this song out, along with two other songs.
With Everleigh’s body so close to mine, I fall silent at this unknown feeling of emotion overwhelming me.What the fuck is this?
I pull myself out of the thought to ask her with a satisfied grin, “This isn’t so bad, now is it?”
“I guess not,” she drags out, pretending to be annoyed. “Who would have thought the playboy could dance?”
“Well, if my penis mobile doesn’t impress the ladies, I can rely on my dancing skills.”
A small laugh leaves her supple lips. “You forgot about your charming personality.”
“Right! That’s what apparently brings all the women to my penthouse.”
