In twenty minutes, all the catering and event companies arrived, set up the sound system and lights, rolled in a massive bar alongside refrigerators bursting with drinks and every bit of food money could buy, and then left, leaving everything ready to go. Killian and Evangelina left for the Longfield mansion together and returned in separate vehicles right at the scheduled time: two Ferraris, both red; his was a classic from the '90s, hers a sleek, modern model.
I was waiting for them with a glass of champagne, wearing a soft pink, one-shoulder dress with a plunging neckline. I had never worn it before, and it made me look gorgeous—though, of course, nothing compared to Evangelina, who wore a shimmering black, backless number with a thigh-high slit. Killian arrived in a beautiful white shirt and blue trousers that perfectly matched his shoes. Before grabbing his glass, he pulled me into his arms, and his exquisite cologne was instantly recognizable: it was Green and Blue for Men, the one I designed.
I kissed him so much I almost ruined my pink lipstick, but thankfully, no; another perk of having money, I suppose—the makeup holds up perfectly.
The fourth to arrive was Lucius, accompanied by Sarah. He gave me a brief hug, almost like I was a stranger, but I knew better. When I looked into his eyes, I met that steely gaze, a thousand miles away. And you know what, girl?
That Lucius, the mysterious and distant one, is the sexiest man alive to me. He was dressed exactly like his brother, except for the colors: he wore a black shirt with sand-colored trousers and shoes, topped off with a stunning silver and black watch.
His cologne? No, he wasn't wearing the one I designed. Not even his usual scent. This one was different, softer—maybe a gift from Sarah. She looked lovely as always, also opting for pink, though a darker shade. Her dress was completely different from mine and—I know I shouldn't be the one saying it!—but I think this time, just this once, I looked prettier.
Regardless, I was glad to see her. For a moment, I wanted to go over and say, "Look, you know Lucius and I…" But no, I could never do that. They are getting married, and even though she told me that marriages in her world are just arrangements where fidelity isn't a factor—even, remember, she basically gave me permission to be his mistress—in my world, right here in Mary Garden, marriage means something. That's why my library only has romance novels and flower encyclopedias, not business contracts.
Right away, everyone started mingling in small circles. Lucius seemed keenly interested in what his brother was telling him about the progress on something they called "Base 3." They both agreed they would need to invest at least another half a million, but I had no idea what they were talking about. Since they were so focused, I drifted away to join the girls.
I danced my way over with three drinks in hand. They squealed like teenagers, and as we drank, they caught the rhythm too. Sarah did her best to keep up, but Evangelina and I showed everyone what good music does to the body. She kissed me, and Sarah, much to our surprise, asked, "Have you two done it?"
I'd like to say it sounded vulgar, but it didn't; everything sounds more refined coming from her lips than mine. I said yes, but Evangelina said "no" at the exact same time. Sarah, more confused than curious, said, "I don't get it. Did you do it with her, Carmilla, but Evangelina didn't notice? Someone explain this to me."
Blushing slightly, I replied, "We actually shared a beautiful, erotic moment that meant a lot to me, but I guess for her… well, no."
Evangelina wrapped her arms around me, sliding her hand down to rest on my ass as she pulled me against her body. "It was a magical night for me," she said, "but no, we didn't have sex. The day we do, the day she finally lets me do everything I want to do to her, she'll see I'm right. But I love her, and she knows it."
Leaning in close to Sarah, she whispered, "But Carmilla has other loves. And I'm not one of those two."
I cut them off, afraid she would reveal more details, not daring to look Sarah in the face. "Wait, we haven't even had two drinks yet and we're already being way too honest…"
The moment I said that word—honest—I wanted to die, girl. Because I realized I was admitting Evangelina was right, admitting that I love both of them… right in front of the future wife of one of them.
I hurried away from there and went back to the guys, taking Lucius by the hand just as he finished his technical chat with his brother. We leaned against the bar, had a drink, and, completely scatterbrained as usual, I told him, "Well, I missed you, I miss you, and all that stuff you already know. The point is, I just indirectly confessed to your future wife that I love you too. I barely realized I was doing it, but it's the truth. Do you think Sarah will hate me forever?"
I expected him to laugh and say, "Of course not, sweetheart, don't worry about it." Instead, he turned icy on me again and replied, "I don't know. I barely know Sarah, really. I do know something has changed in her; it feels like she's trying to make our marriage something real. She's the daughter of political power and understands the rules of the game. She knows I'll be running for president when her father steps down in three years, and she's going to give me what I need to make it happen."
I walked away furious and heartbroken, though I tried not to show it. God, the music was so beautiful it gave me courage! I spun around, marched back, and asked him, "So you're serious? When you said you were letting me go so you wouldn't drag me into your insanely busy life, was that real? Or maybe you just don't love me anymore and I have to accept it? Is that it?"
For the first time, he looked me straight in the eyes… I began to tremble. I didn't say it aloud, but I was thinking: Come on, read me like you always do. Be careful with your next words, or you're going to break my heart!
He stepped a bit closer and whispered, "Sometimes, real men have to set their dreams aside and walk a hostile path that leads to something bigger than themselves… and I only know one thing for certain: when I get there, when I'm standing all alone at the top, I'll be just as miserable as I am right now, looking at your mouth and knowing I can't kiss you. Because if I do, if I drag you into what's about to happen… I would hurt you."
That last sentence caught me mid-sip. My eyes welled up with tears, and I hid them behind my glass so he wouldn't notice, replying, "I wish you the absolute best of luck on your road to the presidency and your miserable life. I can't help you with the first part, but I'd hate for you to freeze at the top of the world just because you made this decision for both of us. I don't think what I feel for you will ever go away; it's not a common cold. I know you're important to me, and believe me, you'll be much more so in the future."
Right at that exact moment, a flash of memory hit me—an image of him holding my pregnant belly from behind—and I couldn't hold back the tears anymore. I bolted straight into the garden, walking all the way to the back where Carol and Mary rest in peace.
Believe it or not, girl, a photographer was perched on the wall and snapped a picture right then, like a hunter who had staked out a spot, waiting for his prey to come drink at the river. Someone on the other side yanked him down hard, probably some of the Longfield-Bance guards.
Killian came up behind me. He botched the sign of the cross, and it touched my heart that he even tried. I showed him how to do it correctly, and looking down at that tiny cemetery of two, he said, "Carol, I just want to say thank you for raising Carmilla. Thank you for being her mom. And I don't know how the hell you did it—sorry, I mean—I don't know how you managed to make her such a wonderful woman. I hope you're up there with your other daughter for all eternity. I'm not a very religious person, but if I get to meet my mother up there, it'll definitely be worth it. I promise I'll introduce her to you; you'd really like Diana, and we can all watch Carmilla's adventures on Earth together from heaven."
Overwhelmed with emotion, I punched him in the shoulder, which felt like hitting solid concrete. Shaking my hand to ease the sting, I said, "No, no, don't you dare mention you dying before me ever again. It's depressing and just wrong…"
He cut me off, clarifying with absolute sincerity, "Only by imagining that can I be happy. There's no way I could go through another funeral for someone I love. I'm not strong enough to live without you."
As I lost myself in his green eyes, I thought: This gorgeous man, the very same one I watched rip iron gates and a car door off with his bare hands, is saying this about me—that he wouldn't be strong enough to handle me being gone… Yes. Yes, I would marry him this exact second.
He stepped closer, gave me a tender kiss, and whispered, "I know I'm not old enough or wise enough to give you advice, but since I have five years on you, I'm going to try… 'If you're at a party… have fun.' Carol would agree with me, wouldn't she?"
He made me laugh; he was absolutely right. I took his hand, and we went back to the others. We joined Evangelina and Sarah, who were surrounded by several empty glasses, still dancing and laughing. Only Lucius remained in the center of the garden, checking his phone.
Evangelina asked me, "Did Bruce and that woman—who I already hate with all my soul—tell you what time they'd arrive?"
I answered, "No, not at all. Don't worry, gorgeous. Whoever this mysterious woman he's bringing is, the moment she sees you, she's going to wish she were dead. You're unmatched…"
She hugged me and said, "I love you. What drives me crazy is that I have no idea who the hell she could be or where he knows her from; he never said he was seeing anyone. I hate not knowing…"
Sarah raised her hand and said, "I do. I know who Bruce Bance is coming with. Lucius and he were talking about it, but I'm not supposed to say anything."
Both of us shot her a murderous look and, gritting our teeth, commanded, "Spill!"