Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 93203 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 466(@200wpm)___ 373(@250wpm)___ 311(@300wpm)
He hesitated. “I have strict orders to keep you in my sight at all times. I’ll stay a respectful distance away, Mrs. Costas.”
I wasn’t surprised. Roman took my protection very seriously, even though I thought he could let up, given that Marianne was gone. Maybe once he relaxed a little, he would.
Alex followed me and stood near the small hill by my mother’s grave. He scouted the area, but the cemetery was quiet, only a few others visiting lost loved ones. A couple was mourning over a fresh grave a short distance away, the man bent over the weeping woman’s head. I sent a short thought of healing toward them as I walked on the rain-soaked grass to my mom’s headstone. The etched heart and her name were dewy with the weather that had been plaguing us the past few days. I knelt and laid the flowers, brushing away the dirt around the headstone. “Hi, Mom,” I mumbled, my throat feeling tight. “I’m sorry I haven’t been by in a while. Life’s been kinda crazy. I miss you.”
I stayed that way for a few moments, letting the silence surround me. Some heavy drops fell from the tree limb above me, hitting the headstone and my head. I shook my head to get rid of the wet. “You already know, I guess. I’m sorry. I know you loved her—at least as much as she let anyone love her.”
There was an odd sound, and I saw Alex rushing toward me. I began to stand, confused when he stumbled but kept coming. “Down!” he yelled. “Get—”
He was almost to me, his gun drawn, when he fell. Stunned, I rushed toward him, dropping to my knees to check his vitals. I stopped in shock at the figure that appeared by the small hill.
I blinked to make sure I was seeing what I thought I was seeing.
“Marianne?”
ROMAN
I was restless at my desk, unable to concentrate. I paced the room, stared out the window, but found no pleasure in the view this morning. The swirling water and thunderous power of the Falls only enhanced my tension instead of dispelling it. It had been that way all morning.
I glanced at my watch. Effie would be departing for the cemetery shortly. Despite her affirmation she wanted to be alone, I was thinking of heading that way and being there when she was done. Perhaps she would need me.
God, how I wanted her to need me.
Frustrated, I headed to the other office, intent on studying the latest architectural ideas for the new casino, but the plans and details held no appeal. Aldo walked in, looking surprised to see me.
“Roman.”
“Hey,” I greeted him, flipping through the drawings.
“You don’t like those?” he asked. “I thought some of the ideas were incredible. I also thought a few of them could be modified for some renos you want done here.”
“Hmm,” I replied.
“Or maybe those zebras in tutus greeting the guests would be a better idea.”
“Perhaps,” I said, then shook my head. “Wait, what?”
Aldo laughed. “I was wondering if you were listening. Where are you today, Roman?”
I sat down, rubbing my eyes. “Lost somewhere between hell and forever.”
He sat down. “Effie?” he guessed. “Things are still unsettled?”
“The only thing that is settled is that I’m in love with my wife. I’m certain she feels the same. She shows it in everything she does, but she has yet to say the words.” I barked a laugh. “I’m obsessed with every little thing she does. Says. Feels. Wants. I worry about her every second. Me. The man who didn’t care about anything or anyone. I deserve her hesitancy.”
“You always cared, Roman. You were just selective in your level of caring.”
“Well, Effie has blown that shit out of the water.”
“I agree, she loves you. So does Vi. But Effie has been through a lot of trauma lately. Give her time to find her feet. Keep being patient.” He paused, taking a sip of his coffee. “As much as that is killing you.”
I nodded, flipping the pen in my hand in agitation.
“Where is she?” Aldo asked. “Vi said she might see her later but was unsure if the plans were certain.”
I explained about the date and that Effie was at the cemetery.
“I wanted to go with her, but she wanted to be alone.” I huffed a breath. “I was wondering about going anyway. Alex sent a text they had left. I was thinking about being there when she was done. Giving her the privacy she wanted but staying close if she needed me.”
“I think that is a great idea. Show her you’ll be there for her. That she can rely on you.”
I frowned. “Do you think that is part of the problem? She doesn’t know I’d do anything for her?”
Aldo shrugged. “I’m sure she is trying to figure it all out. Go. I’ll cover the floor. Wait for her. Take her somewhere lovely and buy her lunch. Hold her hand. Be there for her if she cries. As strong as Vi is, she needs that sometimes.” He smiled fondly. “I like being the one there for her.”