Page 100 of Devious Deals

Rolling to my other side, I punch my pillow to fluff it up and close my eyes. But sleep doesn’t come. It hasn’t for the last few days. I think it’s finally hitting me I’m leaving, and that Kieran isn’t going to speak to me before that happens. My eyes water and tears leak from beneath my lashes. Why is he doing this? He kissed me, so I know he cares and yet he runs from me.

A knock on the door has me wiping at my eyes as I sit.

“Come in.”

It’s Sebastian. He’s the only constant in my life. He enters carrying a tray. Right away, I know it’s food from the store down the street from the house. I don’t know how he figured out that I like it, but he brought me my favorite soup yesterday and now this.

“They were out of soup, but I’ve been told the chicken pot pie is good.”

He sets it down and I notice there are two plates.

“Care if join you?”

I smile, patting the spot next to me. “You know I love when you eat with me.”

He lifts the lid, handing me my plate. I take a small bite but set the plate aside.

“What is it?”

“Should I be eating? The dinner is in a few hours…”

He says, “About that. I’ve heard that the rehearsal dinner may not happen tonight.”

Hope flairs through me. “Why?”

“Greystoke had a ship that caught on fire as it was approaching the Hudson. I believe they’re putting out fires, literally.”

I laugh before I can stop myself. Soon, I’ve laughed so hard that tears stream down my cheeks.

“Sorry. God, I know I shouldn’t laugh, but I’m just so relieved that I don’t have to see that man tonight.” The laughter fades from my lips. “But tomorrow there’s no getting away from him, is there?”

“You have tonight, Ari. Enjoy it.”

My chin wobbles as more tears fill my eyes. “Is Kieran here?”

“No.”

“I was hoping I could speak to my sisters tonight.” I sniffle at the mere thought of them. “Of course they’ll know something is wrong.”

“I can call Kieran. See what he says.”

“No, because if he says no, I’ll hate him even more and I’m so tired of hating him.”

Seb pats my leg. “I have an idea. Let’s take our food down to the living room and watch a movie.”

I smile. “I’d like that.”

It’s not how I imagined spending the night before my wedding, but it’s better than being alone. So, I gather up my things and make my way to the first floor, where Seb and I spend the rest of the evening watching movies.

* * *

I wake up early, not that I can claim to have slept much to begin with. Today is the day. Nerves course through me, making me want to run and cry at the same time. I don’t think I can do this. I’m scared of what’s going to happen the moment I leave Kieran’s house.

But I don’t have a choice, and my dress is brought up by Seb moments later.

“Do you need any help?”

I shake my head. “I think I need to do this on my own.”

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