Page 18 of Forbidden Vows

Just… me.

I add, “It was humiliating. To be there kissing him moments after he kicked her out. I let myself—let him—let me get carried away.”

“Again,” she says. “Don’t feel bad. Any woman would find him sexy.”

“But I’m arelationshipgirl. I date to marry, unlike him, who—as I have very clearly heard him say in the past, and I quote,‘dates to eff.’”

She shrugs. “He’s a playboy, a bad boy, a serial ‘eff’ boy. The perfect rebound.”

I shake my head. “I don’t think I could do a rebound without getting attached.”

“Smart girl.” My friend raises her glass to mine. “I like how well you know yourself.” She tilts her glass, letting its rim clink gently against mine. “To women who are true to themselves.”

“Cheers to us, and our futures.” I echo. I smile at her, then take a long sip of the strong, bright drink, letting the vodka swirl over my tongue. “Even though Keith has just raked me over the coals, I still believe in monogamy. I know there are happily ever afters out there. I want my white picket fence.”

“I know you do, girl. And you’ll have it one day.”

Feeling tipsy, I giggle, “The only thing Blaze can consistently offer a girl is the best sex she will ever have.”

“And abs you could use as a charcutier board and a black Amex card.” She laughs.

We chat and eat, then bury ourselves under blankets and put on a romantic comedy we love to rewatch. As the couple finally comes together after a series of mishaps, they embrace one another, sharing a tender reunion kiss. As Seraphina and I dab tears from our eyes, I can’t help but think about my own future.

I want something Blaze is incapable of. Something I fooled myself into thinking I had with Keith…

Something neither one of those men will ever be able to give me.

True love.

Chapter Five

Blaze

I have no idea what Ma has planned. All I know is that I’m the first to arrive. Sitting with my back against the unforgiving wooden pew, I slip the red invitation from the inner pocket of my suit jacket for the second time this morning.

I unfold it and reread the swirling calligraphy:Join me for a reunion,followed by today’s date, the time, and the address.

Family reunion? Nah. Haze is currently stuck in Italy. Can’t have a family reunion without the favorite son. I wonder what she has planned.

If my brother Haze had a reunion, he would host a black-tie midnight party under the stars on the banks of the glittering Italian lake, serving chilled champagne and oysters.

My idea of a reunion involves being in the Bronx with Paulie’s fresh sausage links sizzling on a charcoal grill set on a crumbling concrete patio in someone’s backyard. Cansof light beer nestle in coolers full of ice. Crazy kids running around chasing each other while the parents yell at them to stay away from the hot grill.

Ma’s idea of a reunion? No clue. That woman has more tricks up her sleeve than David Copperfield.

I didn’t even know this shindig was at a church till my driver pulled up to this stone cathedral.

She instilled in me the importance of always being well-dressed. Thankfully, I threw on a suit this morning, ironing the white button-down I wore underneath. I even used starch; Cleo would be proud.

I glance at the sunlit stained-glass windows depicting miracles. The cool stone walls feel rough under my fingertips. Back in a church, I’m reminded of my brother’s wedding.

Haze looked happier than I’d ever seen him. He couldn’t take his eyes off his beautiful bride, Ophelia.

My focus was on Cleo. I heard she and Keith were on a break, and I seized the opportunity. She succumbed to my charms, and we ended up having sex in the back of the church.

And later, in my bed.

God forgive me for my sins.

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