Fatal Wounds

42

Theo

I grab the black velvet box that contains Valentina's bracelet and slip it into my pocket. I grab a little white card and write her a small note.

As the months get closer to December one would be getting happier due to the holidays but Valentina only grows sadder as the month her mother died approaches. It's only September, almost October and I can already sense her sadness. It pains me that it's something I cannot take away from her. It hurts even more to know that as the time approaches, she'll feel it more.

I click the pen shut and grab the box from my pocket. I slip the card under the ribbon and slip it back into my pocket. Now, buying Valentina a bracelet isn't supposed to make her magically happy but I'm hoping my displays of love and assurance will.

The door behind me creeks open and I see Valentina peek her head in. I send her a smile and nod my head so she can come in. When she fully emerges I take in the sight of her and smile. I'm taking her out to dinner at a Greek place that we both agreed on after looking up a few.

"I'm ready." She closes the door leaving a soft click behind her. She grabs her purse from our bed and comes up to me, wrapping her arms around my neck.

"You look so beautiful." I smile and wrap my arms around her, "excited to go out?"

She musters up a smile and gives me a nod. "I'm hoping it's as good as when we were in Greece."

"I'm not sure it will be," I tell her, tightening my grip around her, "but that's alright, we'll just have to try out every place in town."

She lets out a small chuckle and places her ear against my heart. Her eyes flutter shut and she lets out a slow exhale. "I love you, Theo."

I run a gentle hand down her hair before lifting her chin up. "I'm always here for you, understand? I'm with you every step of the way. I love you, Vale."

The edges of her face that were lined with sadness melt. She gives me a smile that perfectly resembles my girl and presses a kiss on my lips. "Let's go?"

•••

"I'm sorry sir it's a busy night." The receptionist anxiously says.

"We have reservations." I tell him, my voice sounding irritated.

"Everyone has reservations." He says with a grimace, "just wait, at least fifteen minutes."

"So you're saying, you over booked?" I ask lowly making him shrink backward.

"No-no I'm just-" he looks around the crowded place and gulps, "well maybe? But I promise I can get you a table in fifteen minutes."

"Our reservation wasn't in fifteen minutes it was-"

"Theo," Valentina wraps her arm around mine and gives me a reassuring pat on my bicep. "It's alright, my love. We can wait out there."

I shoot him an irritated glare before turning to Valentina. "Are you sure amor? Won't you get cold?" I ask looking down at her skirt.

"I'm fine." She says pulling on my arm. "We can take a walk around the block?"

"Okay." I write down my number on the waitlist and follow Valentina out of the restaurant who sends me a reassuring smile. I wanted tonight to be perfect for her. So she can know that even though she's grieving she can enjoy her life and have fun.

She shuffles in closer to me, "we can visit a few stores Theo. The night isn't ruined."

"As long as you're happy, it can't get ruined." I murmur, kissing her head.