Five Words

Chapter 50

~Cher

I am losing my god damn mind. I have never felt this way. Never. Ever. Not once in my life. My heart is beating out of my chest for all the right reasons. I can't focus on anything or anyone. My mind is still thinking of Ace since that night. He hasn't left my mind since. It's been four days since we kissed, and we haven't stopped kissing since. Every chance he gets, he consumes me. Before we leave the room, after we come back, all night long, I'm spending it with Ace. Ace was and still is the center of all my thoughts. I am trying to shift my focus and concentrate with Gabriel, but I can't. My mind, heart, and eyes are all fixated on Ace, who is sitting with Eric, Paulina, Jolie, and my mom.

I am supposed to be filling my plate with food and joining them, but I am still holding an empty plate. Gabriel is talking to me about some guy from work, the co-pilot or something like that. I am nodding my head occasionally. Saying words like 'really' and 'Uh-huh'. I want to really pay attention to him, but how can I when Ace is staring right back at me with that glowing smile that hasn't died down since we woke up in each other's arms?

"Cher." I feel Gabriel's hand on my arm, "Are you okay?"

No, I'm not okay. Ace is controlling me.

I break eye contact with Ace and turn to Gabriel so that I can answer his question in the correct state of mind.

"Yes. I'm sorry I'm a little hungover from last night."

We didn't do anything last night, and I only had one drink, but Gabriel doesn't know that. I'm not sure if I'm an excellent liar, and I doubt it. I just hope he buys it.

"If you have a headache, I can bring you some aspirin from my room."

His voice indicates worrisome, so I'm safe. He surprises me by bringing his hand to my face and he moves my hair behind my shoulder and his fingers graze over my face. I think Ace might have infected me with his sense of misdirection. I have been giving Gabriel mixed signals all last night when we spent a great amount of time together before we danced for a while. His show for affection always takes me by surprise, though I have lead him to that. I will have to sit down with him and clear the air out before it's too late.

I clear my throat and take a step back. He seems disappointed, but he quickly covers it up with a small smile. I return his kind smile.

"No need for it, but thank you for asking. I think I just need to eat something."

He chuckles lightly as he eyes my plate, "I don't think you like any of the food here."

"I haven't even looked at the buffet. My mind is--"

My phone vibrates in my pocket. I reach for my phone praying that Adrian is the one who texted me. I called him today morning to explain to him what happened and why I didn't get the chance to answer him.

It's not him. It's Ace.

Come up with something and meet me outside. I'll be waiting for you, cherié.

My eyes snap up to the table where Ace is supposed to be at, but he is already walking towards the exit door. I look back up at Gabriel and prepare myself to utter yet another lie.

"I have to take this. I'll be right back, okay?"

"Sure, take your time."

I smile at him and I tuck my phone away as I make my way to the door. I look behind me to check that no one is noticing me walking out the door. I push the door and the fresh air brushes my hair back. My eyes are searching for Ace's figure among the people laying on the poolside. I start to walk forward while my eyes continue scanning the place.