Page 116 of A War Around Us

“Do you have a favorite flower you would like at our wedding?”

I shook my head.

“A particular champagne? Wine?”

I shook my head again.

“Outside or inside?”

My eyes lowered.

“I don’t know if you mean it, or if you are trying to make this difficult.”

I thought about it for a second.

“Outside wedding, inside reception. Black and white, not a touch of color. Covered with enough flowers to drown the smell of corruption.”And death.“Sweet and yet tangy, not too dry. And as for the cake?” I met his eyes. “Cherry flavored.”

Lucca smiled.

Hesmiled.

“Done.” His smile disappeared. “Are you ready?”

As ready as I could be.

“Sì.”

The auction went on and on. And the people we were seated with were obnoxious spenders. Deep pocket politicians that would often whisper into Lucca’s ear. I leaned closer to Lucca, trying to muffle the endless scents and perfumes my nose couldn’t take any more as a headache threatened. I focused on his familiar aroma, wishing it blocked all others. My eyes had trouble adjusting to the blinding shimmers of dresses everywhere I turned, and while the room’s light had dimmed, the chandeliers never took a break.

The man on the stage screamed out bids, firing words rapidly without restrain. Overloaded with noise, scents, and light, a metal taste filled my mouth.

“You are flushed and not the kind I like to see,” Lucca uttered straight ahead.

“Youlike a kind?” I challenged weakly.

His head dipped, capturing my eyes.

I looked away.

Lucca liked a certain blush, and thinking about the activity that created such a blush almost made me forget the pounding in my head. Almost, because the taste in my mouth lingered as bile warned.

“Katia?” Concern rang in his whisper, and when I didn’t meet his gaze, he stood. “Come.”

I took his outstretched palm without question. Lucca curled his arm and placed my hand in its crease.

As we walked in unison away from the crowd with my hand gripping his jacket, I couldn’t wait to be inside the restroom. Alone.

The longer we strolled through the surrounded gold accents of the hall, my vision played in swirls. Curves and patterns that danced the deeper we walked.

Breathe.

I did, and I centered my eyes on one spot to ease the rising nausea. A lady walked out from a door and into the hallway with a smile aimed at her partner, who was waiting for her across the open door.

“Not that one.”

Confused, Lucca led me past the happy couple, and the bathroom door opened again. I peered between the two women who’d stepped out. Revolted by the laughter that erupted from the cramped space, I didn’t argue.

We took a left and continued.

---