Page 16 of Sins of Bliss

I look across the room at the clock on the wall, surprised to see it is nearly three in the morning. We spent hours lost in each other, and I’m even more surprised to realize a nurse did not disturb us even once.

Concerned about the hour she’s leaving at, I look at the cot across the room that Rosie occupied earlier. “Stay, Vincenza. It is the middle of the night. Get a couple hours of sleep and then catch your flight.”

She buttons her jeans, glancing up at me with a melancholy gaze. “I shouldn’t, Sly. It’ll just make leaving harder.”

I wish you wouldn’t leave at all.

“I understand,” I tell her, forcing myself to keep all emotion from my voice. “I appreciate you coming here.”

She steps closer, reaching for my hand. I allow her to take it, and I bring the back of hers to my lips and kiss it gently.

With my lips still pressed against her skin, I whisper, “Ti auguro di essere felice, anche se non posso essere io a portarti la felicità.”I wish you to be happy, even if I cannot be the one who brings you happiness.

“What did you say?” she asks, her breath hitching, tears shining once again.

Shaking my head, I release her hand and tell her, “Be happy.”

Leaning down, she places a gentle kiss to my lips, righting herself quickly before I have time to react. She gently squeezes my thigh before crossing the room.

As she reaches for the doorknob, I hear her soft words, “You too,” even though her back is to me.

Then she’s gone.

Quiet envelops me. The only sound projecting through the room is that of the machines I’m hooked to. Internally, I hear my own pounding heartbeat.

Seconds pass into minutes and I’m left wondering if perhaps that was all a fever-dream. A medication induced, beautiful conjuring my mind created. I wouldn’t believe it was real if it weren’t for the lingering scent of cherry blossoms and the phantom feel of her skin against mine.

And then suddenly, as though all of my guarded walls have shattered, the emotional pain sets in and I mourn the loss of the woman I love, knowing this time, it is goodbye.

Chapter 6

Vinnie

“Miss? We’re preparing for landing and the captain is about to put the seatbelt sign on. Is there anything you’d like before we land?”

A sweet stewardess named Brittany has been attentive since I sat down in her section of first class, seeing the tear-soaked rivers on my cheeks and the redness in my eyes. I know I look a mess—I had stepped into the ladies’ room prior to boarding and saw it myself, but I couldn’t bring myself to care or try to fix my face before getting onto the plane.

I feel like a ghost. Soulless and alone, an emptier shell than I was when I landed in San Francisco less than sixteen hours ago.

Going to Ridgewood had been a mistake. Seeing Sly—having those final moments with him—I’ll never forget. But I’m afraid I’ll never recover from the heartbreak of having to look him in the eye and be dishonest. Making him think I actually want to marry August makes me physically ill. I’ve been nauseous since I left his hospital room.

Where I should feel some peace with my decision, or at least like I’m doing the right thing by not telling him everything, I feel worse than ever.

Looking up at the stewardess through blurred, teary eyes, I give her a tight-lipped smile. “No. Thank you, Brittany, you’ve been wonderful.”

“It’s been my pleasure. We’ll be on the ground in twenty minutes, miss.”

She turns to face the passenger across from me, and I return my gaze to the open window. New York is coming into view, the skyscrapers sitting within a layer of white fluffy clouds, cutting into the vibrant blue sky.

It’s never felt less like home.

Having no luggage, I disembark the plane and move through LaGuardia with ease, bypassing baggage claim and making my way to arrivals. I sent a text to Ross earlier to let him know my landing time, so I’m unsurprised to see my black town car idling by the curb when I approach the automatic doors.

As I step out of the airport, I’m welcomed by warmth. It’s nothing like California, but still, the sun-kissed air settles against my skin and brings me a tiny sliver of comfort.

There’s a crossing guard standing next to the driver's window, gesturing with frustration at the curb, and I know Ross hasn’t seen me yet.

“I’m here! Sorry!” I say to the angry worker as sweetly as I can, and he makes eye contact with me as I reach for the back passenger door. “We’ll be out of your way right now, don’t mind us!”

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