Eva received a phone call and excused herself. I took a step back and looked at all the paintings again.
The pain.
The betrayal.
The lies.
In the middle of the series was the painting I’d done after my last night with Alex when I’d become pregnant. It was a stark contrast to the before and after.
There was hope.
There was peace.
There was love.
I touched my stomach. At least my baby was created when I felt light in my life. That had to count for something. For some reason this baby was meant to be, and I would always treasure the gift.
“Andre, I’m going to use the facilities.”
He radioed something. “I’ll wait out here, Ms. Russo. The restroom has been checked.”
I gave him a slight nod and made my way to the restroom. Andre stopped following me about ten steps from the door.
The restroom was plush with a round stool in the middle of the sitting area. Two roses sat on it. A smile spread across my face.
I whipped out the burner phone, my heart beating with excitement.
Me: Are you here?
Tack: Yes.
Me: I need to see you.
Tack: Not yet, Willow.
Walking into the restroom, I put my hand to my forehead. This was all so fucked up.
Tack: Will you promise to keep your eyes closed? I need your word.
Me: Yes. I promise.
Tack: Walk to the door in front of you. Close your eyes. I’m trusting you, Willow. Don’t open them.
Me: I’ve been trusting you for a while now.
Tack: Same here, sweetheart.
For the first time, I noticed the door at the end of the room. Right before it, I stopped and closed my eyes.
He was close.
Tack was here.
I was about to be with him again.
It was hard to contain the delight.
Creak.
I felt the charge in the air change. A hand touched mine, sending tingles through me. His touch was always electric. I thought my imagination had made it more. But it hadn’t. The feeling was better, so much better.
Willingly, I took a few steps, and he pulled me into the closet. “Tack.”
“I feel it, too, Willow.”
He was right there with me. “Isn’t this crazy?”
“No. Not to me.” I felt the heat of his body move closer.
I licked my lips. “How did you get in?”
“I have my ways. Your security is top notch. I swear no one else is getting to you.”
Only one explanation remained if my security was that good. “You have a friend who works for Trent.”
His forehead came to mine. His breath intoxicated me. “How are you feeling?”
Previously, Tack had said he would never lie to me. His not answering kept that promise. I leaned in infinitesimally. “No morning sickness yet.”
“Good. I’m glad.”
I felt his breath get closer, and I leaned in further. His lips brushed against mine. “I’m doing everything I can to make sure there are no more secrets between us, Willow.”
“Good.”
His lips tenderly touched mine. “I want to kiss you until you think of nothing else.” I went to move my hands, but he kept them at my side. I leaned in a little further and his lips pressed against mine again. The warmth spread through me.
Then… he was gone.
“We’ve done too much already. When I really kiss you, I want you to know what my face looks like—know who I am.”
Disappointment radiated through me. Then his forehead was against mine again. “Soon, Willow. I swear it.”
“Soon.” I echoed his words.
“You need to head back out there before someone gets suspicious.” Again, his lips pressed against mine so quickly I thought I imagined it. “Call me when you can.”
“I will.”
A gentle tug on my arm led me outside the door.
Click.
The door shut, and I turned around. My eyes opened. I wasn’t able to tear my gaze away—Tack was behind that door. Through the slits, he could see me.
I stood there transfixed in place.
My phone chimed.
Tack: It’s time to go, sweetheart. Soon, I promise.
Me: Soon.
Knowing he was in there, I refused to use the restroom. My business could wait until I got home or I’d ask Trent to stop somewhere. After checking the mirror to make sure I looked put together, I left the bathroom, and Andre fell in slightly behind me. He stood there stoically, not moving except for his eyes, which were constantly scanning.
Eva greeted me. “Willow, darling, is there anything else we need to change?”
My eyes drifted for a mere second to the bathroom door before I focused back on Eva. “No other changes. Is there anything else you need from me?”
Her hands fluttered through the air. “Another series so I can book a show. Willow, you have no idea the interest this series has garnered. I must have more.”
Dad would have been so proud to see me build my name like this. Most people had no idea I was his daughter. “Thank you, Eva, for everything. When I have something else ready, I’ll let you know. You’ll have first dibs.”
“Perfect.” She kissed her fingers again. The front door swung open and Trent entered wearing slacks and a polo shirt.
With a bright smile, he greeted us. “Hello, ladies. Thank you, Eva for being so accommodating through the security changes.”
A quick lick across her lips indicated Eva was practically melting in a puddle in front of Trent. “Yes, it’s going to be fantastic. She approved the layout.”
“Can’t wait.” He turned his attention to me. “Willow, whenever you’re ready, let me know and we’ll head out. I’m going to discuss a few details with Andre. I’ll
be right around the corner.”
Eva kissed her fingers again. “It’ll all be marvelous. If you could get here about twenty minutes prior to the show, we’ll be all set.”
“Perfect.”
We’d walked to the door when she remembered. “Oh, I have something for you. It was delivered earlier. Let me get it.”
Eva disappeared behind a wall while I waited by myself. Trent was beyond the partition toward the front door speaking with Andre. Moments later, she reappeared. In her hand was a turquoise box with a white ribbon. I took the box and tucked in into my purse. I had forgotten about the gifts that accompanied a show.
“Bye, darling.” Eva gave me air kisses while we exchanged good-byes.
The hot sun was brutal on the streets of New York City. The air conditioner in the SUV was a welcome relief. Trent sat in the back with me while Andre drove with Dwayne, another security guard, in the passenger seat.
Trent pulled out his phone. “I need to make a quick phone call.”
“Sounds good.”
Ensconced safely inside, we took off through the busy streets. I always loved how the city never slept. While Trent was on the phone, I decided to open up the gift from one of the guests. It wasn’t uncommon to get gifts leading up to an event like this. Honestly, it was my least favorite part.
From the color of the box, I assumed it was some sort of jewelry. I pulled the ribbon off and then removed the lid.
Everything stopped moving. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the box. This wasn’t happening. I put the lid back on the box.
Not enough air in the car.
“Air.” My voice came out hoarse, barely audible. “I need air.” I wasn’t moving. No one heard me. A sickness came over me. “I’m going to be sick.” My voice came out shallow but with a little more voice. “Trent!” Finally, I got his attention. “Pull the car over. I’m going to be sick.”
He looked semi-relieved, probably because he thought I was dealing with a bout of morning sickness and not some sicko. “Andre, pull over for Ms. Russo.”