Page 43 of Love Among the Ruins
Eleni was lost for words. The shock sobering her quickly. Even in her addled state, floating in her own drunken bubble, Dominic’s expression wasn’t lost on her. She had embarrassed herself, and he wouldn’t forget this so quickly.
Dominic’s mouth twisted. “She’s had too much to drink. I don’t want to leave her by herself.” The unnecessary concern in his voice, which might have made her feel that he cared, was erased by Dominic talking in a quiet voice to his girlfriend. Eleni felt like a burden, like a child who no one knew what to do with. Shame branded its name on her, even as she eyed the woman’s dainty hands checking to see if she wore a wedding band. She did not.
“Oh, hell-oooooo.” Stefanos arrived, with Phoebe and Angeliki on either side.
“Who’s this?” cried Angeliki, her eyes on Dominic and completely blind to the woman next to him.
“How exciting to run into you again.” Stefanos extended a hand which Dominic stared at for a few seconds before shaking.
Phoebe prodded her breasts and winced in pain. “I need to pump. Where’s your bag, Stef?”
“You brought your breast pumphere?” Eleni asked, aghast. Phoebe had shown no shame in using this in the hotel room, in front of them. Then she’d left the washed contraption to dry on the coffee table.
“It’s in the cloakroom,” Stefanos answered, smiling at Dominic. “Are you joining us? We’re celebrating Eleni’s—”
“No.” Dominic stared at Eleni, and she stared at the beautiful woman he was with.
“Thepump, Stef. I need the pump!”
“You’re in good hands.” Dominic gave her a nod, mercifully ignoring Phoebe. “Enjoy your celebration.”
Something sharp poked at her jugular as she watched Dominic and the woman slip away, and she didn’t feel so good.
