Page 153 of Strange Seduction
Theo (into the camera):
“Hey. It’s me. Obviously.”
*A small laugh. A breath.*
“I don’t really know what I’m doing here. I’ve never been good at… this. Talking about feelings on command. Or, hell, just talking. But I figured if there’s ever a time to try, it’s now.”
*Shifts, glancing toward the lake, then back at the lens.*
“Carmen, baby, if you’re watching this later, I hope it’s because we made it and we chose to stick together through it all. Because we wanted to be better for each other, and we actually followed through.”
*A pause.*
“I don’t take it lightly, what you’ve forgiven. I know I messed up worse than I ever thought I could. And somehow, you’re still here.”
*Another pause. Voice quieter now.*
“I want this. You and me. I want this so bad. I want it all with you, and I’ve never wanted anything real this badly.”
*A small smile tugs at the corner of my mouth.*
“So… yeah. If you’re watching this in the future, and we’re in a better place, I hope you remember this version of us, too. The one that fought like hell for us to get it.”
I turned the camcorder off and let the camera fall gently to the cushion beside me. I just sat there for a moment, staring out across the lake. The silence was heavy, but peaceful, and the water looked so beautiful. I stood up and moved closer to the railing where Carmen had been before.
In the distance, I could see colorful buildings on land that really stood out against the green background. I wish I could spend a lifetime out here. Just beneath the deck where I stood, waves gently pushed against the yacht. The ship wasn’t moving, so the water around us was calm but close enough that I could feel the soft sprays of water on my feet.
I stared down at it for what felt like hours, just lost in thought.
Then, soft footsteps padded behind me.
Carmen’s voice drifted into the stillness.
“The crew says lunch’s ready. They’re setting up on the top deck.”
I didn’t look back at her, still looking below me.
“Teddy?”
“I don’t feel good, Sweetness.”
She got closer, standing next to me by the railing with her face painted with concern. “What’s wrong? Feeling sea sick?”
I nodded, “Check if I have a temperature?”
The minute her hand rose to my face, I grabbed it and pulled her with me, over the railing.
I caught a glance of her surprised face on the way down, just before we hit the cool, refreshing water. The crew rushed over to see what the commotion was when we both resurfaced.
“Signore, sta bene? Ha bisogno di aiuto?” they asked with worried faces.
“Stiamo bene,” I replied. “Basta rimandare il pranzo.”
They looked confused but walked away. Carmen swam up next to me and shoved me.
“Theodore Clayton! This dress isEmilio Pucci!”
I laughed. She was so adorable with her hair wet like that.
