Page 52 of The One
My mind spins, jumping from one terrible possibility to the next. I force myself to focus.
Read the card, I urge, trying to calm the rising panic.
Taking a deep breath, I flip open the envelope and pull out the white card, my eyes immediately going to the signature at the bottom.
I need to know who sent this before dealing with the contents.
There in swirling letters is the last name I ever expected to see.
My heart immediately somersaults, and I press the card against my chest.
I pick up the envelope with my name on it and place it carefully beside me. I want to keep it pristine, to savor it later and relive this moment.
Reaching for the card again, I roam over the letters. The handwriting is neater than I expected, beautiful even, or that might be my infatuated mind talking.
Mariella,
What happened this morning was unacceptable while you’re under my protection. Please accept this gift as my apology.
New measures are in place to prevent your father from getting near you while you’re in my care. I won’t let this happen again.
Mateo.
He still feels guilty.
Why does he keep believing he failed to protect me? This is on my father alone. I don’t blame Mateo at all.
He doesn’t need to apologize, let alone give me a present.
I stare at the huge box, dying to know what Mateo got me. No matter what it is, I’m sure I will love and treasure it forever.
This is from Mateo!
Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to receive a present from him.
My fingers tremble as I pull the package closer. It’s wrapped so perfectly, I don’t want to tear the paper. So, meticulously, I undo the ribbon and fold it up neatly. I want to prolong this excitement, this joy I’m feeling for as long as possible.
Next, the green wrapping paper. I run my hands over it. The texture alone screams expensive.
I find the spots where it’s held together with tape and undo it carefully.
This is so exciting.
With a deep breath, I lift the lid, and my breath catches in my throat. Inside is a sleek, shiny guitar case.
My hand flies to my chest and I hesitate for a moment. This makes me feel oddly exposed.
How did he know I play?
My fingers tremble as I gently pull the guitar case from the box. The moment I open it, I find a stunning guitar. It’s crafted with rich mahogany and delicate inlays that catch the light.
Oh wow!
But it’s a tiny detail that captures my heart and has tears pricking at the corners of my eyes.
Etched into the wood is the image of two wild horses, their manes flowing as if caught in the wind. It’s the perfect tribute to one of my favorite songs that I played last night.
He heard me play!
