Chapter 67 Chapter 34 (i)
FAE
"Jigo? Where are we going?" I asked, still feeling nervous and needing to talk.
"You need to relax," he insisted. "Come here."
He pushed through glass doors and we stepped through, and were greeted by a blast of air conditioning, stronger here where fewer people were. I heard the faint but steady jazz from the speakers. The ambient lighting and the spaced-out tables in the bar area inside the hotel helped me beat the feeling of being overwhelmed. Immediately, I could breathe better.
Jigo's hand shifted to my lower back as we headed towards the bar. Soon, he was ordering a shot of tequila for me and vodka for himself. The bartender, an older man, politely smiled at me before he started preparing our drinks.
I leaned against the bar, sneaking a thankful smile at Jigo. Compared to the noise and chaos in the lobby, it was peaceful here in the bar. We were alone in our corner and it gave us a semblance of privacy.
"I'm sorry. I panicked with all those people around us," I admitted as soon as I could speak.
He tilted my chin up. "Did you forget the woman you saw in the mirror earlier before we left home? Babe, you're easily one of the most beautiful women walking that carpet—and they didn't even know you. The more impressive you look, the more they'll watch you, take pictures of you, and pay attention to you. I'll be right there with you through all of that, so relax and enjoy this evening with me."
The bartender turned back to us and set our shots down in front of us. Jigo took my glass and placed it in my left hand, the lemon slice on my right. He then sprinkled a pinch of salt on the hand with the lemon from the salt shaker.
"Now, drink."
I licked the salt, downed the tequila, and sucked on the lemon slice, watching him. As the warmth spread in my stomach, he pulled me closer and kissed my forehead.
"Let's wait for you to relax a little more, and then we can go back," he suggested.
“Aren’t we late?”
“I don’t care, baby. Just let me know whenever you’re ready.”
I melted into him, feeling myself beginning to relax. I was starting to regain my composure. "I can do it. I just need a bit of time."
"Mm-hmm." He kissed my temple. "You smell good. Ready to dance with me tonight?"
I smiled and nodded. His kisses helped me feel better, too. "Yes."
"Promise you'll enjoy the party."
"Okay."
"Say it." His hand tightened on my back.
"I'll enjoy the party."
"You'll smile, laugh, and dance with me."
"Yes, I will smile, laugh, and I’ll dance with you."
Smiling, he took a sip of his vodka. We stayed there for a few more moments, close to each other and talking softly. He briefed me on what else to expect at the party. He left cash on the bar for the bartender, separate from our card payment for the shots, before we turned back towards the lobby.
I noticed that even though there were few people in the bar, some of them were just killing time before heading to the party or avoiding the noise outside like us. Their eyes followed us. It was clear that some knew Jigo, especially when he nodded at a few.
This was something I realized would always happen in our lives. He wasn’t an actor, athlete, or model. But Jigo had a public persona. He always had that because of his family and his status in his circle. He ran successful nightclubs in his free time, damn it. He needed a wife who couldn't let him down.
And suddenly, I accepted that there would always be eyes on us. There would be women who might want to covet what I had. I was married to one of the most handsome men, and wherever he went, there would be admirers. I wasn't blind when I agreed to marry him. I also had so many experiences that told me right now, I was the most special woman in his life.
And I loved him, so I was willing to accept the changes in my life for him. I was willing to help make this relationship work. Whatever happened, I would not let him down.
Back in the lobby, I smiled broadly. I pushed away the anxiety that started to creep in and told myself I was doing this for Jigo, the way he would do the same for me when I needed him to, even if I didn’t ask him for it. It grounded me.
"How are you?" he asked as we approached the press and the red carpet again. He moved his arm to my shoulder, and I circled my arm around his waist. He looked down at me, smiling. He looked relaxed.
"Fine... and getting better. Thank you," I whispered back.
"Now, kiss me." He lowered his head. I lifted my chin and kissed him. It was just a peck, but the smile we shared afterward felt more intimate than the kiss.
The cameras clicked again. I breathed deeply and turned to them, smiling as if Jigo and I were casually strolling in the mall, like an ordinary evening in our ordinary life, which had been full of excitement, affection, and joy—so far. I wasn’t just acting this so I smiled even though my heart still pounded. I knew I could do this.
When we returned to the carpet, he held my hand again. We continued smiling for the cameras. He glanced at me and chuckled softly.
"One day, he's going to regret not seeing you like this while he could still have you. And I'm glad he didn't. The important thing to me is that you're mine." He bent down again and kissed my forehead right in front of the flashing cameras...