And even though I’m trying to persuade myself into believing it was all a lie to keep my anger at the level I need it, I know that Hayes loves me. I feel it deep in my bones even though I’m beyond hurt by him right now. But is love enough? Words only mean so much unless there are actions to back them up. And yet, words can slice through you and cut you so deep you feel like you may never heal from the pain they’ve caused. And then he missed the spaghetti dinner at the shelter—even though I know we weren’t on the best terms then—but that completely shattered me after I let him into that part of my world.
When Hayes made his comments to me about not having a job, about having too much time on my hands, that I couldn’t possibly understand what he’s going through and that this job is all he’s ever wanted—yeah, those words punctured the blissful bubble I’ve been living in and have made nothing but anger grow inside of me over the past few days. And now that beast is thriving to cover up the anguish I feel that the man I let in used my own insecurities against me to make his point valid.
“Waverly …”
“I can’t, Shayla. Not tonight, okay?” I plead, hoping she can sense that I’m about two seconds away from breaking apart.
“Okay, okay. But God, does Wes know?”
Turning my head to the side of the club where my brother, Silas, and Hayes are gathered among other powerful businessmen in the city, I take a moment to ponder that thought and then face away from them just as quickly. “I don’t think so. I’m sure if my brother knew what was going on, he wouldn’t be so chummy with Hayes right now.”
“Is it really that bad?”
“Is what really that bad?” Chloe interjects as she stands next to Shayla and me.
“Waverly and Hayes are fighting.”
“What?” Chloe’s eyes light up with worry. “Say it ain’t so!”
“Look, I don’t know what’s going to happen, okay? But right now, we’re barely speaking, so I can’t help but think that’s not a good thing.”
“You need to talk to him, Waverly. You can’t let this fester.”
“Well, tonight obviously isn’t the right time. Please, can we talk about something else?” I beg, anxious for another glass of champagne and a few more hours to pass so I can leave quietly and undetected.
“Well, the wedding is next weekend,” Chloe says as Shayla smiles, but it doesn’t reach her eyes.
“Yes, it is.” I flash the most excited grin I can muster right now, but I’m sure they both see right through it. “I’m so happy for you guys, Shayla. I couldn’t have asked for a better woman for my brother.”
“Thank you. And I know you don’t want to hear this, but I swear, you and Hayes are meant for each other too. Just… don’t give up. I know half of all marriages end in divorce, but I really believe that you and Hayes are meant to last.”
All I can do is bite my lip as I fight off tears, but I lose the battle. With a shake of my head, I spin and race toward the restroom before the first drop slips free as I brace myself on the counter, trying to gain my composure.
This wasn’t how tonight was supposed to go. I was supposed to be dancing with Hayes, celebrating the club that we both worked so hard on, racing back to our hotel room to be alone so we could celebrate in other ways. Instead, I’m crying in the bathroom, aching inside that the future I thought I saw so clearly is now dark and fuzzy, with no light shining through whatsoever. And all my head and heart are telling me now is to run.
Maybe I should just leave, fake a headache, and go back to my room. I’ve made my appearance, right? Spoken to the important people, absorbed the numerous congratulations, hugged my brother when he told me how proud he is of me…
“Sorry, but are you Waverly Weston?” A voice startles me from behind as I whip around to face the woman it belongs to.
Wiping under my eyes, I clear my throat and answer, even though being called by my married name rubs more salt in my already exposed wounds. “Yes, that’s me.”
“Oh, I’m so glad I ran into you here. I mean, not in the bathroom, but privately so to speak.” She flashes me a genuine smile and then holds out her hand. “I’m Victoria Davis from Design Unlimited here in Las Vegas, and I just wanted you to know that I am so impressed with your design.”
“Oh. Why thank you.” My ears and heart perk up with her compliment. “Sorry, I’m a bit of a mess right now,” I say, trying to wipe at my face again.
“Honey, I’ve had my fair share of bathroom cries. No judgment from me, I promise,” she says with a wink. “Ian told me you were the designer on the project, but that you’re new to the business?”
“Um, yes,” I say and then straighten my spine, composing myself even further. “I graduated from USC with my degree in December and this has been the first major project I’ve seen through to completion, so your appreciation truly means so much.”
“You knocked it out of the park. I was wondering if you’d like to meet up next week? I have a position I’m trying to fill at my firm and would love to interview you if you’re interested.”
The desire to pass out rushes through me, but I fight it off as best I can.
