Page 35 of The Veiling

It suddenly occurred to me he had missed the charity golf tournament he was supposed to be in to honor his brother. I pivoted around, sadness overcoming my face.

“Whoa.” He sat back in his chair, stretching an arm around Laura. “I was just teasing.”

I shook my head. “I was just thinking about your bro and the golf tournament.”

Resentment replaced the concerned on his face. He rolled his tongue between his lips as his thumbs circled Laura’s shoulder. “It’s disappointing, sure, but getting you home alive was a more pressing matter. I can’t bring him back. But you’re still around and I’d like to keep it that way.

“So, you don’t hold it against me?”

“Nah.” He winked. “I’m just happy you’re okay and shit’s going to stay that way.”

Laura smiled, twisting sideways in her seat, running her fingers through the side of Noah’s hair. “I’m not complaining about being stuck here.”

I laughed. “I’m sure you’re not.”

He kissed her on the cheek before pushing back from the table. “We should get to bed. I have to get up at 3:00 a.m.”

She stood, picking up their empty mugs. “I’ll be up in a sec.”

He slid their chairs under the table and pulled her against him, pressing his lips to her forehead. “Sounds good.” He turned to me. “Night.”

“Goodnight.” I veered toward the refrigerator, rummaging around for anything that felt satisfying.

Laura ambled over to the dishwasher, loading her dishes. She closed it, then stepped over to the sink, opening the cabinet beneath. “Where are the dishwasher tabs?”

“Jean Pierre starts that before he goes to sleep.” I took two packages of string cheese from the refrigerator and closed the door. As I peeled the plastic open, I tilted my head. “Why didn’t you go up to bed with Noah? There’s something on your mind.”

She turned to me, crossing her arms as she leaned back on the cabinets. “I just thought you might need some company after your little wedding outburst earlier.”

“I’m fine. We talked it out.” Embarrassed, I took a bite of the cheese.

“Talked.” She snickered. “Right. You sure you’re okay?”

“Areyouokay?”

“Marco?” She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath.

I nodded.

She shrugged. “I’m so pissed off at him, but I’m happy he’s alive. I just keep telling myself he actuallyisreal and I’m not going nuts.”

“Trust me, when I saw him, I almost lost my mind.”

“Of course, I’m happy he’s alive. I’ve missed that jerk like crazy.” She twirled a strand of her hair around her finger. “He and I used to be so close. I cried for so long after I was told the news.” She began to tear up, and blew out a slow, shaky breath to contain her emotions. “All I could think about was not being there for him when he needed me.” Pressing her sleeve to the corner of her eye, she wiped away a stray tear. “I just hope he stays nice and doesn’t go back to his old self.”

“He didn’t have to save me at the masquerade, and all he’s been doing has been for everyone else, not himself.” Internally, I felt delighted about his change. I smiled like I was already his proud sister. “Now, we need to get him and Elise together again.”

“Don’t let him hear that, ever.” She chortled. “He will run far away. He’s never wanted to get married, that I know of. He’ll forever run away from happiness and being tied down. Marco isn’t the type to be in a long-term relationship.” She rolled her eyes. “Plus, Elise has someone.”

“True,” I sighed. “I can dream of them reuniting.”

Her broad smile suddenly became serious. “What about you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Are you okay? Like actually,okay? I know you went through a lot and have been having nightmares since you guys got back from London.”

I nodded. Everyone was constantly concerned about my well-being. “Yeah, I’m okay. For the most part.” I swallowed the last piece of cheese, then continued. “I’m glad Marco’s back too, which I know is weird for me to say, considering the past. And I think after Felipe and Jesse are dead, I can sleep better at night.”

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