Chapter 37 It felt like my heart was being cut into a million pieces
Saraphina
The sun had gone down, and it was time for the wedding party. Tiny lights glowed all around us, mixed with the stars above. It was time for the first dance. Louisa and Clement moved to the floor as the band started a soft, romantic song. They looked perfect together. I was so proud of her.
“Care for a dance?” A familiar voice came from behind me. It was Gabe.
I smiled and took his hand, letting him lead me to the dance floor. We found a spot in the crowd and began to move slowly. Gabe’s hands rested on my lower back, and mine were around his neck.
Okay, I guess now is the time to tell Gabe everything.
I looked up at him, trying to figure out how to begin, when I saw them from the corner of my eye. Ryan and Vanessa were dancing, too. Vanessa’s head was on his chest. And Ryan’s eyes were fixed on me, watching me with a fierce focus.
I quickly looked away and tried to concentrate on Gabe. The band began their version of ‘Make You Feel My Love,’ and we kept swaying to the music.
“I know you haven’t made your mind up yet…
But I will never do you wrong…
I’ve known it from the moment that we met…
No doubt in my mind where you belong…”
Hearing those words, every feeling I had been holding back broke free. A rush of emotion came over me and I could not keep it in any longer.
I wished I was in his arms. If only I could push through everyone, find Ryan, and hold him. If only I could. If only it were allowed.
“No, there’s nothing that I wouldn’t do…
To make you feel my love…”
“Hey, are you okay?” Gabe said suddenly. I had not even realized I was crying. Tears were streaming down my face. Gabe caught one and wiped my cheek gently with his thumb.
“I… I am sorry, Gabe. I should explain about last night,” I started.
“Shh. It’s fine. You do not have to. I understand,” he said, cutting me off.
“What do you mean?”
“You don’t like me that way. I see it now. It’s okay, Saraphina. Do not feel bad,” he said, forcing a small smile.
“I am sorry,” I said softly, and he made a comforting sound.
“There’s no need,” he said, his voice kind. “You were just being a good friend. I think I misunderstood.”
Oh, how I wish I could like you, Gabe. Everything would be so much easier.
“Gabe, you are a truly wonderful person,” I said, and I meant it.
“But I am not him,” he said, a trace of bitterness in his voice.
I looked up at him, confused.
“I see how he looks at you. And how you look at him. It’s the same way Maddie looks at him,” he said, giving a small nod toward Ryan.
My heart sank straight down to my feet.
“You knew?”
“I had a feeling. I noticed something was different between you two ever since the Fourth of July. It’s not exactly subtle. For example, right now, he is staring right at us. I bet he wishes he was the one holding you,” he said with a bitter laugh.
“Gabe, I am so sorry,” I said, and another tear fell.
“What’s going on here?” Suddenly, Ryan’s hard voice cut in, and his hands pulled me away from Gabe. “Did he upset you?” he asked me, his face full of concern.
“No, it is not like that,” I said, pulling my arms free from his hold. I saw Vanessa standing right behind him.
“What the fuck did you do to her?” Ryan snarled at Gabe. Before anyone could react, Ryan’s fist shot out and connected with Gabe’s face. Gabe stumbled and fell.
CRACK.
People near us screamed, and suddenly everyone was looking.
“Gabe!” I yelled, dropping to my knees beside him. His nose was bleeding. I fumbled, looking for a napkin or anything to help stop it.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I shouted at Ryan.
“What is happening here?” Louisa pushed through the crowd, with Clement close behind her.
“Nothing, it’s fine. I just slipped,” Gabe said, not wanting to make things worse. I helped him up as he pressed his hand to his nose.
“It’s fine, Mom. Go back to dancing. Everything’s fine, everyone,” I said, trying to sound as calm as possible. People slowly began to move away. Louisa gave us a worried look, but I reassured her with a nod.
Once she and Clement were gone, I let out a long breath and shot Ryan a look that could kill.
“I hate you. Stay away from us,” I spat at him.
“Saraphina, wait,” he began.
“I told you to stay away,” I said, my anger burning.
I could see he was not going to back down. So I turned to Vanessa, dug my hotel room key from my purse, and pressed it into her hand.
“Take it. It’s for you and my brother. Consider it a gift,” I said. Vanessa took the card without a second thought. Ryan just stood there, stunned. I used that moment to turn around and walk away, leading Gabe with me.
Ryan
I could see it in her eyes. She loathed me. She truly hated me. I was desperate, trying to hold onto anything that was left between us… or what had been between us. I guess I had really lost her this time.
It felt like my heart was being cut into a million pieces.
“Baby, come on,” Vanessa said, tugging at me to go up to Saraphina’s room with her. “Even your sister gave us her blessing. Come on,” she said again, pouting.
I let out a frustrated sound and did not move. I was not going anywhere with her.
“Whatever has you so stressed, I promise I’ll make you feel better,” she murmured near my ear.
I sighed. This girl really did not know when to quit. That line had no effect on me anymore.
“You go ahead. I will catch up later. I just need a drink,” I told her. I pulled my arm from her grip and walked toward the open bar.