Page 252 of The Heart You Kept

The car trip home is made in silence. I stare out the window into the darkness.

As if sensing my inner mental breakdown, Edward is watching his words. Or maybe he’s just second-guessing his life choices too.

I had the worst night tonight…. Like really bad.

I felt like an outsider, a spectator to a glamorous life that I don’t belong in…and Edward knows it, and there’s not a damn thing he can say to make me feel any better because this isn’t a him problem, this is a me problem that only I can fix.

The car pulls up at the marina and we climb out, he takes my hand in his and we walk up the dock with the guards trailing behind us.

I mean, what the actual hell is wrong with me?

I’m with my dream man, who lives the dream life, who is the absolute love of my life and here I am upset because I felt left out at a glamorous event.

Wake the fuck up, Alora. You spoiled little witch.

“Miss Sorenson.” Philippe smiles as we walk across the gangplank.

“Good night, Philippe, thank you.” I smile as I walk onto the yacht.

“Thank you,” Edward says. “We can depart when ready.”

“Yes, sir.”

We go out to sea overnight, every night. Apparently it’s safer out there. From what, I don’t know. It’s not like there’s a boogie-man waiting to get us or anything. In honesty, I think all this money has made Edward paranoid. He’s imagining danger that doesn’t even exist.

We walk inside and I put my purse down. “Would you like a nightcap, Doe?”

“No.” I just need to go to bed and sleep off this depressing entitled little bitch mood I’m in. “I’m tired, babe.” I go to walk upstairs and Edward pulls me back by the hand to him.

“You okay?”

“Yeah.” I nod, tears threaten. “I don’t want you worrying about it.”

“Talk to me.”

“I just…” I shrug, not even sure how to answer, “…I feel like a duck out of water and….”

“And what?”

“Honestly.” I throw my hands up. “I guess I’m dreading tomorrow night and I think maybe you should go by yourself and I’ll just wait here at home for you.”

His eyes hold mine.

“I want you to have a good time, I don’t want you worrying about me, Edward.”

“I want you in my world, Doe.”

“I know.” Tears do break the dam this time and I swipe them away, embarrassed. “I’m sorry…. I don’t know why I’m being so dramatic about this. I knew it was going to be hard in the beginning.”

“Look.” He pulls me into his arms. “Why don’t you bring a friend to the party tomorrow night?”

“I don’t want to be a burden.”

“No burden at all. They could come here for a drink first and we can go together and then at the party you will have someone to talk besides me, someone who has your back.”

“Really?” I smile hopefully. “Would that be okay?”

“Yes, of course. Invite a friend who’s fun and friendly and who can help you relax and meet new people.”