Page 40 of Gilded Lies
She considers me for a moment, and I know she sees through my half-truths, but she only gives me another hug. The truth is, I couldn’t bring myself to keep it on and not break down in tears from the weight of my broken heart. God, I’m a sappy mess tonight.
Astra settles her hands over her small baby bump making memories claw out of their neatly-closed boxes. I shove those demons back in and turn the key. This is no place for my dark heart.
She doesn’t know the true depths of my heartache or how I miscarried three months into my pregnancy. No one does and I am not about to dampen her happiness with my craptastic past.
Her arms stay around my middle, and she rests her head on my shoulder. “It’s hard to think this is your last night here.”
“Yes, but not the last night for us. Do you think the Morning After society will truly help women?” I hate doubting myself, but it lives in the back of my head and I’m unable to shake it off.
“I’m hoping it will, yes. I want us to create a place where love can thrive. Just imagine all the stories we’ll hear about.”
I laugh. “You little gossiper.”
Her smile is laced with guilt but not a lick of shame. “Can you blame me? I love a good love story and the harder the path to that happily ever after the better, right?”
“You’re something else and speaking of love, where did your men wander off to?”
“Mirsha is getting himself and Luther a drink and I am pretty sure Viper is talking with Raja somewhere in that far corner. He wants to know a few more details on the inner workings of the key bearers versus the key masters. He has a few ideas he wants to go over with Raja about broadening our locations after the wedding, too.”
She taps the edge of the papers I have in hand. “But you have work to do and I need to wrangle my men so we can make a game plan for dinner. I’m starving.”
“I was headed to Raja’s office when I caught sight of the beautiful starry sky and had to take a moment to enjoy it. But forget that. You can’t just drop announcements and rush off.”
I pull her in for a big hug.
“I knew it was only a matter of time before they proposed. Are you planning the big day before or after the baby?”
Twinkling stars of amazement and happiness glitter in my friend’s eyes. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not in any big rush. I was kind of hoping to hold the wedding either here or the Morning After Society surrounded by all that beautiful stained glass we are having installed.”
“A wedding at our new fancy townhouse in the Garden District…yes! I would love to help plan it. I mean, if you would like that.”
Aster playfully swats at my shoulder. “Girl, you’re going to be my everything. I couldn’t picture the wedding without you. Oh, here come the men.”
Three men well into their forties edge the growing crowd of members entering the large ballroom. Light jazz carries mingled with hushed voices. Women stop their conversations to appreciate the elegance of all three and without realizing it, fall under their spell. It’s a beautiful thing to witness. So is the love glimmering in my friend’s eyes.
I had that once. Did I glow with that much love?
I shove the intrusive thoughts to the side. None of my stupidwhat ifsorwhat could have beensmatter now. I’m here and they dumped me like a bad idea, broke my heart, stomped on it, and ghosted me. I wasn’t even worth a goodbye.
There goes that heart pain again. I rub at my chest, covering my groan of pain with a fake cough.
I’m safe from my former guardian and no one knows where to find me.
That is what matters.
“Hey, babe, are you okay?” Astra turns to face me blocking out the view. One night over cans of wood stain and pizza I told her certain pieces about Danika, Rune, and Oliver. Other details I left out. She tries to make me see love can always happen and hearts can reconnect down the road. I guess I believe her, but tonight my wounds feel fresh.
“It’s your anniversary, right? The night you met them.”
“Yeah, but I have a lot to keep me busy and then tomorrow I move into the Society. It will keep my mind occupied until I can forget about them.”
“It will be a big day. Are you sure this is what you want?”
“More than sure.” The Gilded Key has been my home for a while now between Seattle and here. Moving to the Garden District and taking a step toward a fresh future will be scary, but I’m ready for the change.
Astra’s three men join us under the stars and halt the conversion.
“Magnolia, Raja promised a night to remember, and I can see from the preparations there won’t be a dry pussy or limp dick in the place come midnight.” If I had champagne in my mouth, I would choke right about now. Since I don’t, my face flashes red and my eyes go wide. “Viper, you truly know how to use your words.”