Page 20 of Jealous Vows

The minutes drag by until I worry I’ll pace a hole in the expensive carpet, so I slip my ID, cash, Romeo’s black card, and the two hotel room keycards into the small zippered pocket on the side seam of my skirt.After a quick look over my shoulder at my only other belongings—the jeans, shirt, bra, socks, and shoes I wore during travel—I stride into the hall and shut the door behind me.

I take the elevator to the main floor and wander around the sparkling hotel for a bit, but there are no vending machines and the restaurant only serves sit-down meals.Room service knocked on my door earlier today and dropped off a rolling cart full of food and drinks, but the only thing I could force myself to eat was the cheese and cracker tray since it still had the plastic seal on the container.I shy away from thinking about the reason I can’t eat prepared food, the topic itself making me nauseous, and with so few calories in my body, I don’t dare waste them by throwing up.

I’m better fed today than I have been in a while, but my nervous energy and raised heartrate make me feel on the verge of collapse, so I perch on the couch in the lobby until my car arrives.I swallow my apprehension as the driver leads me to a limousine.Settling inside feels surreal.I sit alone and awkward in the empty, posh space as the vehicle floats down the road.

The trembling of my hands worsens as we pull up to a park with a quaint visitor center and rolling hills.Blocked off to the public for Valentina and Mario’s wedding, we sit at the gate for a moment while the guard walks all the way to the back of the limousine to check my ID.He thanks me and waves the driver onward.

I wring my hands together as we park beside the visitor center.A woman in an understated yet expensive dress welcomes me.

“Hi, I’m Becky, the wedding coordinator.You must be Sienna Luciano.Correct?”

“Yes, ma’am.How did you know?”

“You’re the only one on the guest list who doesn’t have a picture and you pulled up in one of the nicest limos in the city.No one except the maid of honor fits the bill.”

I respond with a lame, “Oh.”

“It’s a simple ceremony, but we’re a little behind, so follow me, please.”

“I’m sorry, was I supposed to be here earlier?I—”

“No, sweetie, don’t worry about it.Everything is ready.All you have to do is walk down the aisle—solo since there’s only a maid of honor and best man—and stand a little off to the side.I’ll show you really quickly and then drop you off at the staging area.”

My mind runs in a million different directions.Romeo said he was in the bridal party, but I can’t fathom a world where he’sZioMario’s best friend.The entire situation feels off, but I can’t voice why, so instead I focus on my most important topic.

“Oh, um… will I get to see them before the ceremony?”

She checks her watch and scans the area as though searching for backup before responding.

“You might have time if we skip the rehearsal.Would you rather a quick walk through or a visit?”

Indecision grips me.

My heart begs for a visit while my brain demands I practice walking down the aisle.The last thing I want is to wreck Valentina andZioMario’s wedding by either falling on my face or standing in the wrong place.Embarrassing them on such an important day would destroy any hope I may have of earning their forgiveness.

“A walk through, please,” I answer.

Becky smiles and bounces along with a gesture for me to follow.After a single practice, I assure her I’ll be fine and stand in the shade near the back seats to wait my turn.

Unease wriggles down my spine.Despite the mild weather, nervous sweat pours down my sides, and my entire body shakes.The wedding planner hands me a small bouquet, so I hide my jitters by gripping the stems with both hands.

I expect either Valentina orZioMario, or both, to jump out and laugh in my face at any time for thinking they would actually want me there.The probability of Valentina slapping me is high.So is my uncle shooting me.

Or worse, they could stab me in the back and leave me to bleed out like my father did toZioMario.

I wouldn’t blame them, but fear and apprehension coil through me.

A few more attendees filter in until all the seats are taken.There aren’t many in attendance, but maybe these are the people who will understand the most just how horrible my betrayal was.

A man a few years older than me approaches and stops beside me.I swallow but my mouth is too dry to speak.

“You must be Sienna, right?”

My heart pounds in my ears.I nod.

He holds out his hand and says, “My name is Noah.I’m the best man.Nice to meet you.”

My mind goes numb.I peel my fingers off my bouquet and accept his handshake.