SAVANNAH
While we ate, Rafael showed me a black and fragrant envelope as if it were an invitation. On the opening was a wax seal embossed with the letter S in a beautiful cursive font.
“It’s my mother’s birthday this week, the day after your class reunion. My mother has been planning this for a long time. I only told you now because they are sending out the official invitations to select friends and relatives. I want you to come with me. It’ll be our first appearance in front of my parents.”
I didn’t even want to open the invitation because of its beautiful design, but I was curious about the writing, so I put down my salad wrap and opened the envelope.
A lilac-colored paper was enclosed in it. I drew it out and read the contents.
“Sixty and Fabulous!”
Rachel W. Sebastian
Celebrate with this great woman, a devoted mother and wife, and entrepreneur, this Sunday at seven at the Sebastian House on Long Island, New York
This was it. We were getting to the most crucial part of this agreement.
Rafael would introduce me to his family.
They were also the ones who might become my new in-laws in the future. It was a little intimidating to think about.
“Long Island! Are we going to the beach?”
“Our family house resides by the beach, so yes.”
That’d be as good as a vacation, but…
“Are you going to tell them about my background? I don’t have as many achievements as you have.”
“Mm. Are you still worried about that?”
“Yes. Include that I’m still married, Rafe. What will they say about me?”
“Alright, we won’t tell them anything. Just the basics, and I assure you, your divorce papers will be finalized this week too. I already spoke to my agent.”
“I still wondered how your agent would do that. What kind of agent is he?”
“It’s nothing you should worry about. Trust me, Savi.”
I put the invitation back inside the envelope and lightly smelled its flowery scent. “Lilac. Just like its color.”
“My mother is keen on a single detail like that.” His mouth curled up, and he continued nibbling on his sandwich wrap. “Anyway, if you are still worried, I’ll tell you a thing about my family. It wasn’t easy for us as siblings growing up as Sebastians because of the responsibility they expect from us, but my parents are generous and don’t look at a person’s status. Before Julian married his wife, Anya, she was his student and beneficiary. She had a rough start in life and was alone. Now, my mother is fond of her like she is her own.”
I smiled while staring at the invitation. “Is that why you and your siblings are the same?”
“What do you mean?”
“Your parents raised you to be courteous and generous and, above all, a gentleman.”
His eyes shone with delight. “I’m far from being a gentleman.”
“Why do you keep saying that? Of course you are.”
“People say I don’t have a heart. Even my brothers think I’m not living a life.”
“Maybe because that’s what you want to show them.” But from what I see now, Rafe was more than those men who said they could love but were oblivious to how they’d act it. He just couldn’t admit it to himself yet, but I believe there was a right time for everything. I reached for his knee and then caressed him there. “Alright, I’ll go with you to the party. Not because it’s a part of our agreement, but I want them to see that you’re capable.”
His eyes paused on me, measuring the distance between us. It was like he wanted to do something that he couldn’t. “You are a passionate one, aren’t you?” His tone was playful. His lips curving, and they were red and plush.
I laughed. “I can’t help it. We are talking about your family here. If anything, maybe if it’s my brother, you’ll still feel confident,” I challenged.
“That’s not true. Your brother is a man. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s also protective of his only sister.” He munched a bite of his sandwich and grabbed his juice.
“He is, actually.” I still hadn’t told him Michael wasn’t ready to see him. “Now, let’s just discuss what we’ll bring for your mother. Thank you for telling me about this.”
“No, we’ll talk about what we will tell my father. It should be in private, so we’ll go to my parents’ house by Saturday evening after your event.”
“We are? Wow. That’s two parties in a row.”
“And oh, by the way.” He drew his phone from his pocket and placed it on the table. “I’m pretty sure I don’t have your personal number. Put it there.”
I frowned. “You don’t?”
“Do you have mine?”
I shook my head. I’d thought of calling or texting him but couldn’t find myself asking for his number. It was impossible to message him on his work email because those things were monitored.
I picked up his phone and scrolled the screen. The dark wallpaper I had already seen before appeared, and a passcode was being requested.
“It has a passcode,” I said.
“267301.”
“Thanks. How is it all this time we haven’t exchanged numbers?” I chuckled. “It’s peculiar.” And we already fucked, for goodness’ sake!
“I’m not the type to call or text women,” Rafe said, “but you’re not just any woman now. You’re my girlfriend, and this is important. I’ll text you my office and personal schedule so it’s recorded.”
Girlfriend. He said it while we were alone. We were dealing with the real thing now.
I typed the code, and it proceeded. I guess he had nothing to hide from me, either. No other girlfriends and stuff. How comforting. I smiled secretly at the thought.
***
Riley’s apartment was quiet when I came in. She was nowhere in the house, and we shared a bedroom, so I went to her bedroom to wash and change.
While picking up my pajamas, I heard Wesley’s voice behind the closed door.
“Ry? Are you in there?” He knocked.
“Wes?” I answered back.
“Savi?”
“Yes, it’s me. Hold on a sec.” I hurried and grabbed my baby pink pj’s set and started getting dressed.
“I have beer and chicken. Just come out when you’re ready.”
“Yeah, sure!” I shouted back.
After freshening up, I walked to the living room and found Wes in front of the TV, watching noisy jet fighters flying around the orange mountains, shooting laser beams.
“What’s up?” I asked as I sat next to him. I grabbed a piece of fried chicken.
Wes opened a canned beer and handed it to me. “Sofia called me this afternoon,” he said. “It’s a surprise, actually.”
“Oh? What did she say?”
“She asked me if you girls can talk after the reunion.”
I clicked my tongue. “Or she can just ask me herself.”
Wesley stared at me. “I can tell she’s embarrassed. Don’t you think it’s time, Sav? Nothing is going to change anyway. You’re not getting back with Edward.”
“And she’s not breaking up with him either. I spoke to her parents.” I sighed. “Honestly, why do I need to bother?”
“Then why bother coming to the reunion she sponsored?”
“Her family sponsored,” I corrected. “And it’s only half of the expenses.” I chugged the beer straight. “I’m still going because it’s not all because of her.”
“No, she is going because the faculty decided she and Edward will have the first dance,” Riley said, finally coming in from the door. “Former prom king and queen?”
Wesley frowned. “How did you know that?”
“I’m the coordinator, remember? I just received a text from Mr. Ward.” She walked to the living room and sat between her brother and me. “The final theme is a Ball Night, so you people can still wear your dresses and suits. There will be a play and a game with prize money that will be donated to a charity.”
“See? I have more reason to go now,” I told Wesley. “But I don’t like the idea. I don’t remember the steps.”
“Yeah. I don’t like it either. What’s wrong anyway?” Riley asked. She grabbed the fried chicken from my hand and ate it.
“Sofia asked to talk to Savannah,” Wesley said.
Riley’s eyes narrowed at her brother. “She told you that?”
Wesley turned off the TV and faced us. “Yes, and I’m coming since Lana asked me as her date. It’s my ticket in. I graduated first, so it’s not my year.”
“I heard,” Riley said.
“Who are you going with?” he asked me.
“With Rafael. I already asked him, and he agreed.”
His eyebrow arched. “I’m really curious how you got him to come.”
“The guy is smitten with our friend,” Riley stated. “What else?”
I smiled. “He’s thoughtful, you know.”
Wes shrugged. “All I could remember was when he always yelled at his employees.”
“Hey, I see nothing wrong with that since he’s not Savi’s direct superior.” Riley grabbed a beer and flapped it open. “I’m going with Arthur, one of Wesley’s friends from high school. It’s a ball, so there will be a dance. I’m so not dancing there alone.” She drank the drink. “But what do you think Sofia agreed to give you the first dance? She’s been a terrible friend.”
“And you caused trouble at the restaurant,” Wes inserted.
“It’s not going to happen again, even if she provoke me. I’ll hold it in,” I promised.
“Yes, because you still haven’t moved on,” Wes pointed out.
Of course, I hadn’t. My blood still boiled, and my heart clenched thinking of her betrayal.
“What do you think she’ll announce?” Wes queried, glancing at his sister.
“Maybe she’s announcing her new album or being official with Edward. I don’t really care,” Riley answered. “You shouldn’t either.” She elbowed my side.
“I’ll be fine. Besides, I’m going there with Rafe. He’s pretty attentive.” I gave them a reassuring smile. “Hey, and he’s finally my boyfriend.”
Riley’s mouth formed an O. “Wow. He is indeed courteous. I like him for you. When did this happen?”
I chortled. “Just today. He told the Estrellas, Sofia’s parents, that I’m his girlfriend.”
“That’s new.” Wesley brushed his finger on his chin. “And surprisingly, all news about him is just rumors. The guy never had a proper relationship. Carter told me that. But he announced you?”
“Yes, so what else can Edward and Sofia do to disappoint me? We’re all already past that. I’m in the process of healing,” I said proudly. But deep inside, I wasn’t really sure. Was I really fine?
Wes smirked. “Just be careful, Sav. Get to know this guy better. I have an odd feeling about him. I just can’t put my finger on it.”
“I know you’re just worried,” I whispered. “You, too, Ry.”
“Of course we are,” she said softly. “You almost cried blood when Edward betrayed you. But know that we are here for you no matter what.”
“Aw. I love you, guys.” I hugged her. “I’m here for you too.”
Wes rolled his eyes and breathed out. “Can we watch TV now?”
“Yes, I’m sorry.” I straightened my back. “I’m getting more ice.” I stood up and walked to the kitchen.