Page 62 of Black Wave

Eduardo rubs his chin, thinking it over. “I understand that I don’t know the full story, only what you've told me, but, Emma…” He pauses, thinking about how to formulate his response, and I can tell that I’m not going to like or agree with what he says. “The guy is in a wheelchair, and he lost his girl, friends, and life as he knows it. He doesn’t even have a family who cares about him. He needs to talk to someone about it all.”

I think about what Eduardo said and realize that Liv is the only constant in his life, and now he is losing that, too. Sure, he cheated on her, and no one likes a cheater, but he has more than suffered.

Laying my head in my hands, I groan. “Ugh, I hate when you're right, Eduardo.”

“I know, babe. It’s going to happen more than you care to admit. I just see things from a different perspective. I love that you are fiercely protective of your friends.” He ruffles my hair like a little kid. “Now come on, I want to show you what I booked for us.”

With that, he leads me to his office, and I stop thinking about Liv and how our friendship seems one-sided. I’m doing this to protect her, I tell myself. I say it so much that I start to believe my lies.

Eduardo and I went all out for Thanksgiving. We had it catered for us. After it was all set up, the caterers left us to eat alone. We had no one over, and we spent a quiet day alone until I had to go to work, which meant I couldn’t even have any wine with ourearly dinner. Adulting is so hard sometimes, but I am looking forward to spending the holidays with my family in Mexico and maybe reliving some childhood memories.

I thought it would be an excellent idea to go shopping with Liv and both of us could get some things for our trip together. Dax finally asked her if they could get away for the holidays. He told her about going to the Caribbean for Christmas, and I couldn’t agree more. She has her mind on Brodie, and the fact that they are not talking lays heavy on her mind. She’s worried about him. She’s worried about his mental health. The guy has a lot going on, and few people who were in this corner championed him through this rough time in his life that changed everything he once knew. We can all see how depressed he is, and he needs to fix that. I hope that he gets the help he needs.

I can’t tell her I already knew about her island trip and that Dax intends to marry her there. He wants to be married when the baby is born. It was a romantic gesture, sweeping her away and getting married. If I thought that Liv would have said no, I would have told the guy no or that she isn’t ready, but she loves him so much, and this is their second chance. I know how important second chances are too.

When he asked me if I wanted to contribute anything to Liv’s special day, I was glad to be able to. Since we can’t be there, I want her to have something special, something that will remind her of me for the rest of her life. She is the one person in my life I can count on. Even though I feel I can’t tell her everything. It’s because I care about her so much that I can never tell her, but I can show her. I can show her my support and happiness about her special day by giving her the dress and something blue for tradition.

Dax asked her mother for her hand in marriage, and I contacted her to let her know that I would happily buy her dressfor her. I think her mother was relieved about that, and she could maybe not pick up so many shifts to help Liv.

We haven’t spent much time together. Liv moved in with Dax, and I knew Eduardo would spend time with me at my old apartment, but since Julian left that message, I feel safe and less violated staying at his place. Seeing my reflection in that mirror reminds me he could get to me anytime, and I am still very much in danger.

Liv and I decided to meet up to do some shopping in the River Oaks District in Houston. Eli parks my car in the garage, and I can’t wait to meet Liv. We will shop and then eat at my favorite French cafe on the corner. It boasts beautiful outdoor covered seating and is a perfect spot for a late lunch. Not to mention, their drinks are superb. I could go for Chanel No. 6 martinis as well.

I walk up ahead, and I know Eli is following. I miss Philip so much, but he had a family emergency that couldn’t be helped. When I asked Eli if Philip would return soon, his eyes narrowed, and he said “doubtful.” Whatever that means. It isn’t my business, I guess. I try not to ask too many questions. I know it’s a waste of time, and I won’t get a straight answer anyway.

I round the corner and see Liv walking toward me. I run a bit to reach her sooner and hug her tightly. I put my hand on her expanding belly. “Hey, beautiful, Auntie is here.”

Liv laughs. “Best auntie ever,” she agrees. “Come on, let's do this.”

We walk up the sidewalk arm in arm and find a store we both want to enter. The lady in the boutique greets us and asks us to let her know if we need anything. I see the moment she catches our engagement rings, and her smile beams a bit brighter.

Right, I think to myself. She knows we have money to spend.

Liv is shuffling through the racks. “I feel bad about using Dax’s credit card to buy stuff,” she says in a whiny voice.

“Yeah, sounds rough,” I deadpan. “I wouldn’t. He wants you to have some nice things for the trip, and let’s face it, Liv, you need some clothes you can wear in a few months, so let’s get to it. Chop. Chop.” I mimic clapping my hands with each word. She side-eyes me and grumbles something intelligible.

We both try on some outfits, and the salesperson rings us up gleefully. I bought a bit too much and saw her look at my ring again. I wonder if Liv will notice. I planned on telling her that night when she called me crying, but she was so upset about Brodie that I thought it wasn’t the right time. I wanted to see her in person to tell her my good news anyway, hence the reservations at the French cafe.

As we are walking out, I see a woman walk in with oversized black Chanel sunglasses covering most of her face. She looks expensively dressed and wearing a plaid wool-blend beret. After all that, that’s not what stands out. It is her glossy red lipstick that matches her unnaturally red hair. She stops and looks me up and down. Her lips turn upward in disgust.

“Do you have a problem?” I question the woman.

She turns to me and scoffs. “No, I just don’t know what they see in you.” She turns and walks off. I’m left there stunned.

“What the fuck,” I hear Liv say, and I look at her.

“You heard that, right?” I ask to make sure I didn’t get it wrong.

She looks at me, confused as well. “Yep. What was that about?” Liv asks.

I shrug. “I have no idea, but let’s get out of here before I get arrested.”

Liv snorts, and we walk out hand in hand, mostly Liv pulling me out of the store reluctantly.

CHAPTER 34

Emma

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