Chapter 56
CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX
ELENA
A week later we went back to Providence. On the flight, Orion told me Carlos had killed my father—his own brother—because he wouldn’t use my mom’s savings to pay for his debt. A series of emotions ranging from anger to sadness and betrayal warred within me. But I supposed karma had gotten Carlos.
I prayed to God that this would be the last horrible news I’d hear about this year. There was only so much a person could endure.
For the next few days, I threw myself into work, and Orion did too. Something was happening behind the scenes, but Orion shared nothing with me. I could feel the tension pulsing off of him.
I’d been working harder than usual. Most nights he’d stay at my house. Other nights he’d stay in his apartment. I couldn’t shake off this horrible feeling that something awful was going to happen.
My article regarding the financial scam would release soon. I showed Orion what I’d written and made the changes he’d suggested. I’d also written the column for Madame Sarcasm, but I didn’t show that to him yet. He was so busy that I only wanted to show him the important things first. He could read about Madame Sarcasm later.
Orion texted me, asking me to get ready to visit my father’s apartment. I’d given myself enough time to accept this, and I was ready to discover more about him.
With amusement in his eyes, Orion gestured to the lock on the door. “Wanna try to break in with the skills you’ve learned? I know you’ve been watching all the videos on the shared drive.”
“What kind of person would I be if I broke into my father’s apartment? I’ll pass.”
I supposed he’d been keeping his eye on me even though he’d been busy. When I needed a break from working or researching for my articles, I watched his videos on various locks and how to pick them.
I’d never imagined myself doing this, but since I was in love with a thief, and my father was also a thief, I figured I should get to know them well.
Something else was going on with Orion. He seemed distant. Or was it me? Had I become distant because I couldn’t forget his expression when Jasper had insulted his ex-fiancée?
Was I being paranoid? I hated this feeling.
Let it go.
I entered the apartment decorated in various shades of brown and traditional wooden furniture. Two dark browncouches, sage throw pillows, and a black rug offered a masculine appeal. The sturdy coffee table looked like it would last a lifetime. The craftsmanship was exceptional. He had boxes scattered on the floor and stacked in corners. His bookshelf was crammed with books. Random art decorated the walls, and I wondered if it had been stolen or bought.
“Are those paintings originals?” I asked.
“No. Unlike me, he kept very little of what he stole. We have distinct taste in art. He sold his art for money and used it to help others. Pablo didn’t live a lavish lifestyle.”
“You help people too,” I said, remembering how he’d bought me the car and donated money to several charities anonymously. Ralph had let that slip.
I walked over and noticed my high school yearbook. I removed it from the shelf and opened it. A newspaper clipping of me holding a certificate fell out from between the pages. I’d won a writing contest in ninth grade about what I wanted to do when I got older. Back then, I wanted to own a media company. Such big dreams for a little girl.
“You look cute.” Orion looked over my shoulder.
Had my father wished he could’ve congratulated me? I could only imagine the pain and regret he’d felt. He probably didn’t want to interrupt my life. A part of me wished he had attempted to reach out. There were so many what-ifs in life. What if I died tomorrow and didn’t have time to do the things I wanted to do or say what was on my mind?
I looked over at Orion, who was browsing the apartment. I knew he loved me. But to what extent? If Kate came back to life right now and stood beside me, whom would he choose? I knew I shouldn’t feel this way. But that emotion was burning inside me.
I had to deal with it. I didn’t want to waste precious time.
Returning the book to its position, I browsed through the one-bedroom apartment. Wooden figurines, boxes, chairs, and wooden bookcases adorned the quaint apartment.The disarray in his living space mimicked mine.
“I guess I took after him, huh?” I gestured to the disorder.
“It’s organized chaos.” Smiling, he tapped my forehead. “I’ve always admired those who know how to navigate a mess. I don’t function that way, but others thrive in that environment.”
“That’s one way to look at it.”
“Come.” He took my hand, leading me to the couch.
I sat down and ran a hand over the coffee table with pretty etchings. “The craftsmanship is extraordinary.”
“He’s a great woodworker. Very handy. He taught me how to fix things around the house, like your back deck.”
“But you don’t need to do those things. You can afford to hire people.”
“Sometimes it’s not about the money, but the reason you’re doing something.” He looked at me. “I repaired your deck because I wanted to put in the effort. The process gave me time to think and clear my head.”
“And to attract all the single women in the neighborhood.”
“I’m not interested in being anyone’s handyman but yours.”
I smiled. “I’ll put you to work.”
Orion reached for a wooden box from under the coffee table and gave it to me. It was about nine inches long and six inches wide, with intricate carvings all around. A card attached to the top of the lid read: Old Receipts.
“A distraction?” I arched an eyebrow.
A proud smirk curved onto his lips. “Only a true thief would know that.”
“What can I say? I’m learning from the best. Distraction is an interesting art form.” I placed my hand on the box, trying to absorb all that was my father. “Do all thieves have a treasure box?”
He lifted a shoulder. “I suppose. It’s like a journal of our adventure. All the things we want to remember are in there.”
I remembered Mona saying my father’s spirit had shown her a treasure box. What did he want me to know?
“Have you seen what’s in the box?”
“No.”
Nodding, I lifted the lid, and my heart galloped at the first item in the box. I reached for the abstract wing, the twin to my brooch. “Look. This is a set.”
“It’s exquisite.” Orion examined the wing.
I glanced back in the box and took out the body of a beautiful hummingbird with its studded head.
Orion connected the wing to the bird and something clicked. He flicked a gaze at me. “It’s a lock. I think it needs the other wing to unlock.”
I unzipped my purse and pulled out a velvet box. “I’ve been carrying it around ever since I found out he’s my father. Just trying to connect to him.” I handed him my brooch.
Orion attached the second wing, and another sound clicked. The tail of the bird detached and a rolled-up piece of paper fell out. He unrolled it, revealing a bank’s name and a few account numbers. One line said it all: For my daughter, Elena.
Love filled my heart as I held the little paper in my hand. It grew warm as tears flowed down my cheek. Orion got me a box of tissues from the side table and offered me one.
“Thank you.”
“He had a savings account for you,” Orion said.
I leaned into the couch, letting the cushion support my back as I looked around the apartment. “Did he tell you what he wanted to do with the apartment?”
“No.” He shook his head. “It’s yours. His will is stored in one of those bank accounts. What do you want to do with it?”
“I don’t know yet. For now, we’ll leave it as is.” I got up and looked outside the window. “I can see the park where I used to hang out as a kid. You stole my brooch at that park.”
“Then you should keep this apartment. This building is like a telescope, showing us moments of our lives. If you want, I’ll buy this entire building.”
Feeling loved, I placed a hand on his arm. “Don’t do that. I only need this one apartment.” Then courage crawled up my spine. “I have something to say.”
“Okay.”
“Thank you for bringing me here today. And thank you for doing so much for me.” I inhaled a breath. “I know you love me, but I also know that you still love Kate.”
Orion opened his mouth to say something, but I held up a hand. “It’s okay. You have a past with her that’s rooted deep inside you. I think you need time to work it out. You may think that you love me, but maybe it’s something else.”
A crease formed between his eyebrows as he looked at me. “Elena, you’re confused. I love you.”
I didn’t know why that comment rubbed me the wrong way. How could he dismiss what I was telling him?
“Maybe you’re confused. I know it sounds petty, and I know I shouldn’t feel this way. Hypothetically, if Kate appeared before you right now, would you choose her or me? Don’t answer yet. Take your time.” I looked at him, wanting him to know I meant it sincerely. “So much has happened to both of us in the last few months. Maybe we just need time apart for things to settle so we know what we really want. Okay?”
“You’re breaking up with me?” he asked, looking stunned and sad.
“No.”I placed a hand on his heart. “I just want to make sure you know what you want. So we can both move forward with no doubts. I guess I just need some time and space.”
He sat in silence, staring at me.
“I don’t know what your relationship with Kate was like. But I know her death affected you deeply, and you haven’t healed from it yet. You might not notice the little things you do or say, but I have. You’re still hung up on her. Maybe all of this is just my imagination. Like I said, time will tell.”
He embraced me and kissed the top of my head.
I didn’t know why I felt so sad and tired. This conversation sounded like a farewell. But it felt right to express my honest feelings. What was the point of a relationship if I couldn’t express them genuinely?
“Take all the time you need,” he said.
I knew what he meant, but I wished he’d said a little more.
Why didn’t he try to explain some more? Why didn’t he ask the reason for my insecurity? I wanted him to ask me.
You’re being ridiculous, Elena.
A woman’s mind was structured like a mudstacle course. There were so many things to overcome that sometimes the individual falls into her own traps. I knew I’d created my own internal mud race. But I had to get through it to the end. I had to know that Orion loved me more than anything. Anyone.
Why? Because I love him more than anything, anyone.
I deserved the same in return. No more settling for less.