Chapter 16
DEAN
I lost my parents when I was sixteen years old.
If there was any sort of silver lining to their loss, it was my ability to appreciate things that most young people take for granted.
Things like my dad fussing about my grades or my mom wanting to know every little detail about where I would be hanging out with friends on a Friday night.
That stuff can seem like a hassle until it’s gone.
After the loss of my parents, I would have given anything to be grounded or get a lecture—anything if it meant having them back. Since that wasn’t possible, I tried to honor their teachings as best I could.
Something my mother always preached was righting a mistake.
She used to tell me that everyone messes up, and while we shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves, we also have an obligation to do what we can to atone.
Often, that’s as simple as an apology. Sometimes corrective actions are needed.
Either way, it’s important to own our mistakes and do what we can to fix them.
I screwed up with Sachi. Big time.
That is not up for debate.
I just hope my attempt to right the situation doesn’t blow up in my face because I’ve decided to combine my apology with a do-over.
I could have gone to her place, told her I was sorry about everything, then left her alone, but I didn’t like that option.
It didn’t feel like enough. I don’t want to simply smooth things over; I want another chance, and I need to earn it.
When I considered the best way to go about it, I decided it would be best to go back to the beginning.
Two people unexpectedly crossing paths at a party.
Instead of the Waldorf, we’re at Le Jardinier—a lovely event space decked out for a formal dinner. The charity event has been in the works for months and felt like the perfect opportunity. The event may not have been arranged for her, but tonight will be all about her in every other way possible.
I’m in my tux—the same one I wore a week ago to the masquerade.
Sachi is wearing the simple all-black uniform of the catering staff as she sets up her intricate carving display.
The other guests have yet to arrive. So far, everything is going to plan, but what happens next is unscripted because Sachi has no idea that I’m here.
She’s about to find out.
She’ll learn my plans for the evening and so much more because I’m not the ordinary detective she thought I was. I’ve decided to make a play for her, and that means telling her everything. I’m going to lay all my cards on the table.
Using the party as a means for my unveiling made sense in my head, but I have no idea how I’ll be received. This could be the best decision I’ve ever made or an absolute disaster. Only time will tell which it will be, and that time is now.