He slides a small box out of his pocket and gives it to me.
I hold the box in my hand. It’s the size of a ring box. If I were with Bam, I would open it and be dazzled by another jeweled bauble.
I flip the top open to find a dainty, hand-stamped silver necklace—a delicate butterfly whose carved wings form an infinity symbol.
“I know it’s not much,” he says softly, “but the butterfly symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings, and the infinity symbol—”
“Means we’ll be together forever,” I finish.
“Mostly, it reminded me of us.” He taps the center of the design with his finger. “We started out here and went on separate paths, but both ended up back here in the middle. I hope our paths don’t separate again.”
“It’s the most special thing anyone’s ever given me. Will you help me put it on?” I ask, tears welling up in my eyes.
I stand in front of his mirror.
Put my hand over it.
Press it into my chest.
Then turn and look at him.
The corner of his mouth is turned up, like he’s not sure if he should smile yet.
I kiss him, still holding the necklace against my chest.
“I’ll cherish this forever, Dawson, and I have no intention of our paths parting. I want to stay right here in the middle.”
He kisses me again. Then traces the infinity sign. “How about this time, we go down the same path together?”
Tears fall down my face as he holds my hand and kisses it.
“I love you,” I tell him.
“I love you too.”
“This is all I want. Your love. Your heart. Your faithfulness.”
“That’s good,” he says with a chuckle. “Because that’s about all I have to give.”
“Do you know that out of all the jewels and gifts that Bam has bought me, there’s never been a reason. Never a story behind what motivated him to buy it. Your thoughtfulness and the meaning behind this necklace make it worth more than any jewel I own.”
Shelby’s Bungalow - Sunset Boulevard
SHELBY
I’m sitting at the bar eating dessert and plotting.
I just know Riley is at Keatyn’s vineyard for the weekend.
And I’m almost positive that the preppy bitch is going to be there with him.
And, more than likely, they are talking about their future. Based on the snippets I heard, I’m guessing she hurt him and he’s not over it but he still loves her.
But if he does, why has he been fucking me all week?
All I know is that I can’t let her get in my way.
Somehow, I need to find out more about this Ariela girl. Who she is, how they met, where the hell she came from, and how to get her to go back.
A handsome man sits down at the bar next to me, accidentally brushing my thigh with his. Men think they are subtle, but they really aren’t. I’ve seen him staring at me from across the room for most of the night—as are most of the men in the bar.
I’m dressed to kill, had my hair blown out, and am ignoring everyone but the bartender.
Which makes me a mystery.
I put a spoonful of chocolate mousse in my mouth, close my eyes, and savor it, making a contented sigh. The mousse here is so good eating it is practically a religious experience. I know the guy is watching me and thinking he’d like to make me that happy in bed.
And I just might take him up on it. He’s wearing a suit with an expensive sheen, a watch that cost more than my apartment building, and a large diamond pinkie ring. When he speaks to the bartender, he has a vague European—or Spanish, maybe—accent. He’s not big like Riley, but he oozes wealth and culture.
And there is nothing wrong with a girl having a plan B.
“I’d offer to buy you a drink, but I’m thinking chocolate may be the way to your heart,” he says, pointing toward my empty dish.
“Are you trying to win my heart?” I ask, playing coy.
He takes my hand in his. “I like women who believe in living life to its fullest.”
“By eating dessert?”
“You, my love, were not simply eating. You were allowing the chocolate to pleasure you. I found myself wishing I were made of mousse. Would you care to join me in my suite where we could pursue the endeavor in private?”
“That’s a nice offer, but I don’t even know your name,” I reply, even though I fully intend to go anywhere this man wants.
He brings my hand to his lips and says, “My name is Juan Fabio Martinez, but my friends call me Bam.”
“And what do you do, Bam?”
“Whatever you would like, my dear.”
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18th
Asher Vineyards — Sonoma County
VANESSA
I wake up curled into Dawson’s arms. I feel a little bad that we didn’t go back out last night and join our friends, but I know they will understand.
I kiss his neck to wake him up.
“Morning,” he says, his voice gravelly.
“Last night was so incredible. I love you.”