While you were Sleeping

32. We're not here for the view

Juliana could feel her heart thumping wildly in her chest, her pulse noisily reverberating in her ears as her gaze swept the silent room. The heavy moment dragged uncomfortably between them. Valentina hadn't moved or spoken since Guille's arrival. Those sweet blue eyes, which were full of love and playfulness this morning, now held fire as she stared down at her sister with disgust. Juliana hadn't thought it was possible but Eva looked scared and vulnerable as she stood beneath them, almost pleading with her sister.

"Vale?" Guille called, stepping into the room. "Are you okay?" His eyes moved between his sisters who remained locked in a strange staring contest. He turned to Juliana. "What's going on?"

Juliana's eyes darted between the occupants in the room. She opened her mouth but didn't know what to say. What could she say?

"Nothing!" Eva turned quickly. "Eric, can you wait in the car?!" Eric gave an embarrassed nod and headed for the door.

"Wait!" Guille extended his hand, stopping the fleeing man. "I know your face, have we met?'

Eric shifted his gaze between Eva and Valentina as he accepted Guille's hand. "Not officially, my name is Eric Silva. I work for your father."

"Oh yes," Guille offered a warm smile as he shook Eric's hand, "Vale mentioned working with you. What brings you all the way out here? I'm guessing there must be a juicy story!"

Juliana watched as Eric's eyes widened, his mouth opened but nothing came out.

"Enough, Guille! He was just leaving! Right, Eric?"

Eva's fiery gaze urged the man into action. "Yes, right. I have to go, lots of work to do. It was lovely meeting you all." He tried to pull his hand back but Guille held tight.

"There's no rush, we just got here. I'm sure we've more to talk about, right Eric?" Eric's gaze moved to Eva; the man obviously had no idea what to do. "Let's all have a seat!" Guille directed the man back to the sofa. "Where's Mateo, Eva? He's the only one missing from this unexpected party. We should give him a call. You know him, don't you Eric?!"

"Enough, Guille! Stop being a smart ass! Eric, go wait in the car!" The man tried to stand but was once again forced into the seat.

"Eric, if you move again, your career is over! Do you understand me?" Guille spoke slowly, his anger evident in every word. Eric nodded and relaxed into the sofa, accepting his fate. "Good!" Guille stood and glanced to the stairs, a smirk forming on his face as he took in the robes Juliana and Valentina wore. "I guess we all had the same idea this weekend!"

"Guille," Eva moved towards the sofa, "whatever you think is happening..."

Guille snapped his head in Eva's direction, his nostrils flaring as he began to speak. "Would you like to know what I THINK is happening, Eva?" His voice rising with every word. "Other than the fact you've ruined everyone's weekend, you are cheating on your husband! Or are you going to stand there and deny it?"

"Guille," Renata placed a soothing hand on his back, "you need to calm down, the doctor said you shouldn't get worked up."

Eva's eyes shimmered with tears as she spun on her heels and stormed out of the room. All eyes followed her retreating form until she disappeared into the kitchen.

"Valentina? Juliana? Are you both okay?" Renata asked, ignoring the fifth person in the room.

Juliana nodded as she turned to her girlfriend and took her hand. "Val?"

Valentina snapped out of her daze. "Yeah, I'm fine," she sighed. "I'm so sorry Juls," her voice cracked as her eyes filled with tears. "This is not how I expected our weekend to go!"