Chapter 19
clad in iron
elena
The hotel is packed, and the lobby is a constant stream of people coming and going.
Everyone is smiling and enjoying their vacation to the fullest, knowing that it will soon be over and they’ll have to return to the reality of their daily lives—a feeling that makes them experience it all with even greater intensity.
The wedding is in four weeks, and although there’s still plenty of time, ever since I found out Victoria would be here, I haven’t been able to stop counting down the days until the month ends and the spell’s magic takes us back to our monotonous lives.
I hate to put it that way, but the best moments always come to an end, and this time I wish they wouldn’t.
When Victoria and I used to hang out, saying goodbye was the hardest part of summer.
I couldn’t stand having to say goodbye to her; the thought that I wouldn’t see her for the rest of the year hurt, and even though I lived life to the fullest, I felt the emptiness from the very first day she was gone.
That’s how I feel now, though I have no idea if seeing each other will be awkward and too forced, or, on the contrary, vibrant and natural like it used to be.
Even though Ana promised me she’d be with me, she had to leave to take care of a little problem at the store she owns in the island’s busiest shopping district.
She gave me very clear instructions, but right now, the last thing I want is to follow a script.
I know I can’t let myself be afraid of Victoria or let our past affect me so much, but it’s impossible to stop my knees from shaking at the thought that in a matter of minutes we’ll be looking into each other’s eyes after years of distance and silence.
I don’t need to peek out to know they’ve arrived at the reception because her distinctive voice stands out above the noise around me.
I always told her she could be a radio announcer, that it gave me goosebumps when she whispered things in my ear, that I should have taken advantage of it…
but she didn’t listen to me. According to her, her voice was only for me, and she didn’t want anyone else to feel what I felt when she spoke to me.
After letting out a small sigh and running my hands through my hair, I gather my courage and step away from the pillar behind which I’m hiding and start walking through the crowd.
The sound of my heels keeps time with my heartbeat, and I’m grateful that they don’t notice me until I stand behind Victoria and Carolina’s eyes widen.
She knew I wouldn’t dare show up just like that, but now I feel strong in the presence of a woman who has always made me tremble—and always will.
“I’m glad to know I’m not the only one who’s aged well,” I say, and when Victoria hears me, she turns and stands half a meter away from me. My reflection falls upon her beautiful green eyes, and, unable to help myself, I give her a tearful smile. “Welcome to Gardenias, Vic.”
“Elena…” she says, and my heart starts racing.
“Damn it, Ana, you should be here,” I think, and without another word, I break the distance between us and hug her.
“Th-thank you…” she stammers, and as soon as we pull apart, she looks at me with that look of surprise almost identical to my sister-in-law’s.
“You didn’t tell me you were coming to greet her.”
“I just woke up with the idea this morning,” I tell Carolina as I give her a couple of kisses.
“Besides, I told my brother to let me know when the invited guests started arriving because I’m the one assigning the bedrooms,” I add so it doesn’t seem like a coincidence.
“Pablo and Inaki already have theirs, and I’ve prepared a special one for Victoria. ”
“Why’s that?” they ask in unison.
“Because you were supposed to come with someone, and you know those are the nicest ones in the hotel,” I remind her before walking behind the counter to look for the card with her name on it.
“Is your girlfriend coming later?” I ask out of pure curiosity.
“I’m just asking so I can have one ready for her, too. ”
“Oh, that…” Victoria shakes her head, and I can see a hint of discomfort in her eyes. “She had to work, so she won’t be at the wedding.”
“But why didn’t you…?” Carolina interrupts us, and she covers her mouth with a hand, in a funny gesture that makes me laugh.
“Well, anyway, I hope you enjoy it very much.” Once I’m by her side, I stroke one of her hands and hand her the bedroom key. “It’s the kind you like.”
“Th-thank you…”
“Don’t give them to me. I have to go; I still have a lot to do,” I say as I say goodbye to both of them with a couple more kisses. “I hope you have a nice morning. If you need anything, you know where to find me.”
I don’t even know how I manage to keep smiling, but once I turn around to head back to my office, my whole body is shaking and everything is spinning around me.
It’s been an adrenaline rush, a clash of emotions that felt like a burst of electric lightning striking me.
As I step into the elevator, when no one can see me, I’m unable to hold back the tears streaming down my cheeks, washing away the fear I’ve felt these past few days.