8. Briar
Briar
M y veins are buzzing, either from the caffeine or excitement as I take another sip before setting my coffee down on my work table.
Across the room, River’s jacket hangs neatly on the mannequin. Circling it, I brush it off carefully, inspecting the pale fabric just in case I missed anything the first forty-nine times.
Stomach churning, I retreat to my armchair and glance over at the closed door. He didn’t say when he was coming today. It could be any second.
“Pull yourself together,” I mutter. Glancing at the mannequins, I squint, raising a finger in mock admonishment. “Don’t look at me like that, Flo.”
I don’t need your silent judgment. I’m judging myself enough as it is.
Especially after my… eventful night. Inhaling, I slide my hand over my stomach, feeling the flutter of nerves.
I dreamed about him. Worse, I woke up in a sprawling, aching mess, my thighs slick and hair wild, looking as if I’d had exactly the night I only dreamed about.
Exhaustion wars with anticipation as I pace, grateful for once that I don’t have any other orders to work on. Even my fingers are trembling. If I looked in the mirror, my eyes are blatant evidence of too many sleepless nights, the deep blue rings beneath them a seemingly permanent feature.
My father took one look at me this morning and withheld the lecture I expected, only pushing a liquid supplement, already prepared in a glass, across the kitchen island before silently leaving for work.
Falling back into the chair with my arms wide on either side, I stare at the floor, worrying my bottom lip between my teeth.
I wish he had let his anger out. It’s only delaying the inevitable showdown we’re heading toward over last night. Over all of it. And I’d welcome it, welcome an honest discussion on my future and my choices. Because whatever my father wants to think, they are mine .
And I’m not marrying Philip Fitzherbert. Not even to please my father. Not even for the sake of a comfortable life , as he likes to put it.
My yawn takes me by surprise. I’m so tired .
Sighing, I tip my head back and close my eyes for a moment.
Just for a moment.