Chapter 56
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
elena
There are officially eight days left until Carolina and my brother get married, and, as expected, nerves are running high.
The caterers called me this morning to confirm the time, and the florist I hired for the decorations is already getting everything ready for next Saturday.
The only thing left is to pick up the dresses and my brother’s suit, but Carolina told me that the boutique is still finalizing some details and that we won’t be able to go get them until tomorrow.
I feel a little calmer after my conversation with Ana and after receiving a couple of messages from Victoria.
I didn’t want to tell her anything about the conversation I had with Joana because I think that’s something we need to do when she gets back, and, to keep myself from getting so worked up, I’ve decided to get to work with the gardeners and make this area much prettier than it is now.
We’ve been working on the wrought-iron pergola for a few hours, and I know they’re tired of me for being so picky.
“Okay, I think it’s finally in the right spot,” I tell the maintenance manager, who stands beside me and watches from a distance. “I wanted the sunset to be behind it, and now it’s perfect.”
“It’s going to be a beautiful ceremony,” he says. “I hope your brother and his girlfriend are very happy.”
“Me too. I’ve always thought they made a wonderful couple.”
“If you don’t need us anymore, I’ll take the guys to check out the tropical area,” he explains. “Give me a shout if you see this coming apart, okay?”
“You can count on it. Although I think it looks fine.”
“You never know,” he shrugs. “It’s the first time I’ve set something like this up. See you later.”
With the pergola ready and the sun beating down on my head, I reach for my phone to capture the moment and attach it to a message I quickly write and send to Victoria. I’d love for her to be here helping me, but we’ll have plenty of time to be together and get bored of each other’s company.
Once I see the photo in our chat, I smile and head toward my office.
I still have things to do; I have to organize the bedrooms for Carolina’s family and, of course, the bridal suite.
My brother has no idea that I’ve been building four VIP bedrooms along the coast, carved into the rock and arranged so that the people who enjoy them won’t be interrupted by anyone.
I hope they have an unforgettable day and experience that day with the same excitement I felt when I married Victoria.
Just as I’m about to step into the elevator, my phone vibrates, and as soon as I unlock the screen, a smile spreads across my face when I see it’s a reply from Victoria.
I still have a few things to do around here, but I promise I’ll be there on time. Your brother is going to be blown away when he sees how beautiful everything turned out. Remember to tell him not to step in the garden, so the surprise will be even bigger. I can’t wait to see you. I love you more.
With butterflies in my stomach, I lean against the glass of the cubicle and start typing a bit hurriedly.
Not having her here with me is hard, but I don’t mind, considering that when she comes back, it’ll be so she never has to leave again.
At that moment, Joana’s words cross my mind, and with a lump in my throat, I start writing my reply:
Don’t worry. I sent him with my mom to keep him and Carolina from seeing everything. There’s barely a week left, and I want it to be a surprise for them, though the biggest surprise is coming on Saturday. Have you checked the tickets yet? I really don’t want any last-minute surprises.
I’ve made a reservation, but I won’t tell you for when. I like to think that the anticipation will make you want to see me even more, and that will make you not want to leave my side for the rest of the night.
I feel the urge to tell her I’m ready to spend that night and the rest of my life with her, but I decide not to say anything and write something else much more fun instead:
I plan to make you dance. And if you refuse, just know that I don’t care, because you’re going to do it anyway.
“We’ll see, Elena. We’ll see.”
And just like that, these few little messages have made my day better.