I don’t reply, so he continues.
“As proof of my seriousness, I will be announcing my retirement from polo to the world very soon, and I need you by my side, my darling Vanessa.”
“I don’t mean to be rude, Bam, but you were having sex with someone else while I was in the hospital losing our child.”
He dismisses my comment with a wave of his hand. “The past is the past. I cannot change what is there. I can only hope to repair my life so that our future is bright. The loss of our child cut me deeply. I regret not being there, and I’ve had to live with that decision. I am like my father, my mother says—raging hormones, too many for one woman—but she is wrong. I want to make it up to you. I want to have heirs with you. I was surprised by your pregnancy before.”
“We’d been married for quite some time. I told you I was ready to have a baby. You didn’t disagree.”
“That’s because I wanted for you to have everything your heart desired. That is still my wish. What do you want, Vanessa? Homes across the world? A new yacht? To be dripping in gold and jewels? Whatever you ask for, my darling, I will present to you on a diamond encrusted platter.”
“What I want is to understand why you did what you did.”
“Mentally—emotionally—I wasn’t there yet. Not ready for responsibility. Not ready to settle down. I am like a wild mare in my youth. I had to be broken.”
“And you’re broken now?” I ask, not able to help adding an eye roll. “The model dumping you did that?”
“I understand your reluctance,” he says, taking my hand. “Can we go sit down somewhere, have a bottle of wine, and discuss this?”
“Sure, let’s go outside.” I call to my butler, Bernard, “Can you please bring us a bottle of—”
“The Chateau Margaux, please,” he says, interrupting me.
“I thought we weren’t supposed to drink that,” I counter. “Isn’t that the hundred thousand dollar limited collector’s edition?”
“It is, but this is a very special occasion, my darling. Our reunion is worth celebrating.”
“Bam, we’re not getting back together.”
He leads me outside, his hand fitting into the small of my back and reminding me of so many occasions in ballrooms, private clubs, and restaurants around the world when I was so in love with him. When the luxury and royalty of it all was new. When I didn’t know the consequences of his love.
We sit in silence until our wine is brought.
After sniffing, swirling, and tasting, Bam declares the wine good enough to drink, so Bernard pours us each a glass.
Once he has retreated and we are left alone in an uncomfortable silence, Bam raises his glass to mine.
“Tonight we drink a wine that is considered by many to be priceless. I, myself, used to believe that it was, but I have learned the hard way that the only thing priceless in life, is love. Salud.”
When our glasses touch, I see the pain behind Bam’s smile.
“I will be honest with you, Vanessa.”
“That’s always nice,” I say, trying to keep the sarcasm out of my voice.
“My father’s illness was unexpected. Until I was called upon to provide for my family, I did not have so much responsibility. I was but a boy playing a man’s game. Now, it is my time. I want to renew our vows. I will shower you with gifts and attention. We will have children. As many as you want. I pledge to be a good father. Our children will have everything. I know you need more than my words. You need proof. I will spend the rest of my life proving this to you.”
He pulls another box out from his jacket pocket, opens it to reveal a diamond that belongs in a museum, and gets down on one knee.
“Do you remember those weekends on my yacht when we were young? How crazy in love we were when we secretly wed. Darling, I’ve loved you since I learned how to love. Will you do me the vast honor of marrying me again?”
Tears fill my eyes as emotions overcome me.
Vanessa’s Estate - Holmby Hills
DAWSON
After I beeline out the door, jump into the Ferrari I couldn’t have bought for myself, and drive off, I’m both pissed at myself for leaving and pissed at her for letting me go.
I know Keatyn is working late tonight, so I call Aiden. “Hey, you in town?”
“Yeah, just got back. What’s up?”
“Wanna go get a drink or something?”
“Why don’t you just come here. I can’t really leave tonight.”
That’s a good idea, I think. I’ll drop the car off at home and walk down. Then I can drink.
And drink.
“Is Keatyn home?”
“No, not yet. You’ll see why I can’t leave when you get here.”
“I’ll be there shortly.”
“Are you okay? he asks.
“I don’t know,” I reply.
Aiden greets me with a pile of yellow fur cradled in his arms, a pale pink ribbon around its neck.
When I talk, the puppy looks up at me, licks my fingers, then yawns, and tucks its head back into Aiden’s arms.