It's been just over an hour since I left the restaurant and I am freshly showered, dressed in comfortable yoga pants and a tank top. A hot mug of matcha tea cradled in my hands, I am huddled on the arm chair as I look out at the city lights of Tokyo, contemplating my hasty exit. Looking down at my phone, I look over the numerous messages Tristan has left me.*Where are you?**Why did you leave?**Call me. You're worrying me.**What's wrong? Talk to me.*All those messages have gone unanswered, what can I say? Hey, I found out you were once engaged and now I'm sitting here, stewing away bitterly? No, it's much easier to ignore him and that's what I intend to keep doing. I realise that it's a tad dramatic and immature but too many thoughts are going through my head. Wearing the chocolate shaped pendant Tristan gifted me, I twirl it between my fingers, unable to cease the comparisons. Once upon a time, he gifted another woman a much more significant piece of jewellery. I can't beli
Just when I was trying to get over the shock of finding out about Tristan being engaged, now I have to stomach the fact that his ex-fiancée is no longer alive?I really don't feel so good."How?" I ask, my voice so quiet. Tristan's ex-fiancée is gone from this world? I've been jealous of a dead woman all along?Running his fingers through his hair, I can see despair and torture clogging up those whiskey eyes. "We used to love going for long drives. The Hamptons, Boston, Philadelphia, anywhere. It would be just the two of us, cranking her awful playlists of 80's and 90's pop songs but it was a great way to escape work." Then, he looks down at the ground, avoiding my gaze. "One night, we were driving back from Bear Mountain, and were cruising up the Palisades Parkway. It was a Sunday night, we had the music blared up real loud, and I was driving Billie's dingy second hand red hatchback. She was taking a nap, and I was enjoying the drive. Then"I can see the colour drain from his fa
"Excellent, you are making fantastic progress, Lacey!" Dr. Liz enthuses as she takes the virtual simulator helmet off my head. "You didn't even make a sound, hardly any reaction this time.""I'm surprised at myself, to be honest! Maybe I was just being a brat by avoiding heights."She laughs politely. "Not at all, your phobia was definitely genuine. It manifested over time, but you have been 100% committed to your sessions, and I think you can start living a complete life without my help."I'm partly surprised at her diagnosis. "Really? Aren't we supposed to have three more sessions?"She nods. "I think you have excelled so much during these sessions, you are better off incorporating heights in your everyday routine.""So using elevators more?""Yes, I would recommend you continually face heights where possible. Will you still be flying regularly? You were flying frequently the last few months, you said."My stomach flips. Not anymore. After I decided to quit working for Tristan
BOOK SIX: LAS VEGAS Men can be such insolent pigs, can't they?They make you angry, they make you cry, they make you question everything you ever thought about yourself.?Yes, I really hate men sometimes. They really are the bane of human existence.Especially when I am in love with one of them, and I have to ignore it because the pain of wanting someone I can never really have is too much to bear."No, I don't want any pink or purple. It's not a bloody disco! Send me the final proofs when you're done and believe me, there will be hell if I see one trace of either of those colours. Bye," I gruff as I hang up the phone impatiently.Gabe tsks in disapproval as we walk down the supermarket aisle, him holding the basket while I pick out the food for our dinner and movie night.I notice his disapproving stare. "What?" "Gee, are you sure you're not the one getting married? Bride-zilla hello!"I give him a playful scowl as I put down a packet of rigatoni pasta. "These people have
"Oooh, I really hope we find the one!" Jackie enthuses, nervousness tinged in her sweet and warm voice.?She looks at me with her wide ice blue eyes. Without a speck of makeup, she is a lovely looking girl with her natural tan and ash blonde hair. She will make a gorgeous bride."You will. When you find the one, there's no feeling like it.""That's the thing. How do you know? There are so many pretty dresses, how will I ever choose?""Well firstly, don't say that you like them all. Don't be afraid to say you hate it, it needs to be perfect in every way possible.""But"I see her twiddling her thumbs and I gently put my hand on hers. This might be a family affair and a personal engagement, but I need to treat her like a client first and foremost. "Nothing for nothing, I've done this a thousand times. You will know the dress when you see it. I mean, look at where we are."?I get her to take another look at our surroundings. We are sitting in the back fitting room of Isadora Vivien
Tristan looks like a giant, his height and build only accentuated by his navy jacket and relaxed jeans. A sexy giant. He crosses his arms, and turns to his mother with a frown on that damnably gorgeous face. Be still my beating heart. "Mum, what are you doing?"Janet shrugs her shoulders, feigning innocence. "What? I was just having a chat with Lacey, what's wrong with two gals catching up?""About what?""Secret girls' business," she blinks femininely and I grin nervously. "Uh-uh, I'm sure it's secret," he mutters under his breath. I smirk to myself. Even though he is a grown man, it's rather cute that he still gets embarrassed by his mother.Janet gets up abruptly, almost as if she was waiting for him to arrive. "Anyway, I'm going to leave you two alone, you should have lots of privacy where you are. It's pitch black at the back!"Tristan scowls at her. "Mum, please stop talking now."She giggles in a blasé fashion before looking at me. "Gosh he's stubborn, isn't he?""You
Putting the final touches on my cherry red painted lips, I'm happy with my hair and makeup. As I put the lipstick into my brown leather clutch, I start straightening my camel coat when my door knocks. That must be him. Tucking my hair behind my ear, I open the door to see Edmund on the other side with a bouquet of pink and white daisies, a big shopping bag beside his feet. He's sharply dressed in a long black coat and thick grey scarf. I'm dating a sexy older man. I never thought I would say this to myself but here I am. And I don't mind it at all."For you, my lamb chop," he smiles and hands the flowers to me. I'm dating a sexy older man who refers me to a piece of meat, the cliché does exist."They're beautiful!" I gush as I take them, opening the door wider. "I'm going to put these in a vase, come right in."He grabs my arm before I move and leans in to kiss me a polite, restrained and warm kiss. It's pleasant, nice really. He's a good kisser, his lips are soft, his breath is al
"Thank you. Call me as soon as anything changes alright? I want the gift bags ready Thursday morning, by the latest, so I can inspect them.uh-uhyepno problem okay, bye." I hang up, checking another email that has just popped up regarding the catering from the Estelle Salon."Sis, come on we're about to get on the plane. Turn the phone off!" Hansley reprimands as we drag our suitcases towards the departure gate. I continue reading the email, looking up and down as we dart through the crowds. Typing a few quick words, I'm halted as I realise we are at the waiting gate. Packed with impatient looking travellers, I'm glad we are here thirty minutes before the scheduled boarding time. The last few weeks have flown by and it's coming into September, which means it will nice and hot in Vegas. I've packed a good variety of tops, t-shirts, dresses, and one thick jacket. I wish Jackie was here, but no I'm travelling with Hansley and his entourage. They are going early for the bachelor party,