Consumed (23 page)

I notice immediately that the flowers are not the Gardenias that I usually receive. Instead, it's a massive bouquet of red Tulips displayed in a beautiful crystal vase, a card perched on top. I retrieve the card, not missing the slight shake of my hands as I open the envelope and pull out the message inside.

There is a language, little known,

Lovers claim it as their own.

Its symbols smile upon the land,

Wrought by nature's wondrous hand;

And in their silent beauty speak,

Of life and joy, to those who seek

For Love Divine and sunny hours

In the language of the flowers.

I will see you tomorrow.

Love, Liam

I read the card again, knowing I have heard the poem before but not being able to pin point it. I sit down, turning to my computer and retype the message in the search engine. –The Language of Flowers, London, 1875 is the first result. I click on the link which has a list of flowers and their meanings. I scroll through the list, noticing that Gardenias are known as an admirer or secret love, which Michelle had informed me of when I received my first delivery.

I scan the list further until I spot tulips. Red tulips are a declaration of love. My mouth goes dry, my heart instantly picking up speed as I try to piece it all together. He's sending the flowers based on what they represent, the poem is clear evidence of that. And if that is in fact the case, is this him declaring his love to me? As much as I want to believe it is, I am not so easily convinced. If he loves me then why doesn't he just say the words? Probably the same reason that I haven't. Because I am afraid it's too soon, because I'm afraid it will scare him off. Does he have the same fears?

I pick up the card and read the message again, for the first time noticing that it says he'll see me tomorrow. Tomorrow? He knows I have the charity event to attend. I just assumed he wouldn't be there but I'm sure their staff works these types of events. My anticipation for tomorrow night has grown substantially at the thought that maybe he will be there and if so, tomorrow can't come soon enough.

––––––––

B
y seven o'clock I am dressed to the nines with not one hair out of place. The dress fits as perfectly as it did the day I tried it on and looks even better now with everything in place.

Kristina insisted we go to the salon to have our hair and make up done. This is the first time in a very long time that my hair has been pinned up. Grayson always liked it down and honestly I just got used to wearing it that way. Now I can't help but wonder why I don't wear it up more often. It's piled on top of my head in a mess of curls. A few strands left out to trail along my face and neck.

My necklace looks perfect with the strapless gown. A silver drop necklace with three varying lengths of green stone that stops just above my cleavage, really accenting the emerald green color of the dress. Matching earrings and my silver heels complete my attire. I stare at myself in the mirror for a good five minutes before finally joining an impatient Kristina in the living room.

She looks as beautiful as always. Her black halter evening gown doing wonders for her tall frame. Her face looks practically airbrushed, as does mine. And I can't help but notice how her eye shadow really makes her blue eyes pop.

She ushers me out of the apartment in less than a minute. To say she is excited is a huge understatement and I join her in that feeling. I have never gotten the chance to go to anything like this, and I don't remember a time that I felt more beautiful.

We make it to Bella Vita in record time. There is a line of cars already backed up at the valet station but it doesn't take us long to get through it. After handing the valet her keys, Kristina and I walk side by side down the red carpet that is set up for photo ops. This is the only place that paparazzi are allowed and man is there a ton of them. Several people take our picture as we make our way towards the entrance. I can't help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.

We finally reach the hotel entrance, wading through crowds of people to get to the the ballroom where the event is being held. Two men in tuxedos open the doors for us as we approach. The moment we step inside, I stop, in complete and total awe of the beautiful room before me.

The ballroom is bigger than I imagined. A wide open space with at least a hundred tables strategically placed around the room. Each table is covered in a red silk tablecloth with a floating candle centerpiece. Kristina taps my shoulder and points upwards at the ceiling. I look up, for the first time noticing the red fabric strung from the ceiling. Everything is to perfection. From the place settings to the stage set up along the back wall where a band already has their equipment set up. Just in front of the stage is a large dance floor and the right side wall is set up with a full bar.

“I'm going to get a drink, you want one?” Kristina asks me, pulling my attention back to her.

“Yes, please.” I say joining her as she makes her way across the room. I recognize the bartender immediately as someone I have seen at
Serendipity
before. Only now instead of jeans and sleeved tattoos, he bares a very flattering tuxedo. Who doesn't love a handsome man in a tux? I can't help but wonder if and when I will see Liam.

Once we have our drinks, we make our way through the tables to find our assigned seats. I am surprised to find our names among the front row tables. Usually these are reserved for the VIP's but deciding not to question my luck, I say nothing and take my seat, as other guests start to file in.

Once the room is full and buzzing with anticipation, a woman takes the stage. I would guess her in her mid-forties. She is decked out in a red floor length full sleeve gown, her hair pinned up in a sophisticated looking bun. She clicks on the mic and waits for the room to fall silent before she speaks.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for being here with us tonight. As most of you know this is a charity that is near and dear to us here at
Bella Vita.
When we lost Henry a couple of years ago, we lost a man that had dedicated his life to helping children. A man that acknowledged the horrors that many children face today, and started this charity as a way of helping those in need. With that the
Beautiful Life
foundation was born. For twelve years now we have gathered together to raise money for this very worthy cause. Thanks, in large part to Christoper, who kept the charity alive after his uncle's passing. Tonight I would like to thank Henry, Christoper, and everyone else who made this night possible. Please, enjoy your meals, and ready your wallets. We have some wonderful things in store for you this evening.”

The room erupts in applause as the woman exits the stage. Like clockwork, waiters begin to file in carrying large silver platters. They make their way around the entire room until everyone has been served before exiting just as quickly.

The first course is a spinach salad. Simple and yet very delicious. The second course is a choice between fish or steak. I, of course, opted for the steak. Followed by creme brulee for dessert. I spend a good portion of our meal listening in on the conversations taking place around us. From what I have heard, our table consists of two very well known surgeons, a movie director, two writers, and their guests.

Once the plates are cleared away, the woman takes the stage again. “Now that you have all had a chance to enjoy the wonderful meal provided for you, it is time to get the festivities underway. With that, please allow me to introduce to you our host for this evening. The CEO of the
Bella Vita Resort and Casino.
The man responsible for making this all possible. Mr. Christoper Mason.”

The room stands in applause and I join as it seems the appropriate thing to do. My focus is everywhere but the stage. Kristina and I taking silent bets on which person will donate the most money based on their appearance alone. When everyone begins taking their seats again, we follow suit. It is then that I turn my attention back to the stage.

For a moment I think that I am hallucinating. That Liam standing behind the microphone, a wide smile across his face, is all in my imagination. I don't have time to think, to process what exactly is happening.

I sit rooted to my chair, unable to react to the events unfolding in front of me. I try to rationalize this, make sense of it. There has to be a reasonable explanation. But then the conversation that took place only two days ago comes flooding back. Was this what he was trying to tell me?

I was too eager to have him in my bed. Too wrapped up in my feelings for him to see the truth. I knew there was something not adding up from the moment I met him but I never connected the dots. He scans the room, nodding at those still applauding, until his eyes finally settle on mine. The noise fades into the background, everyone fading away until the only thing I feel is the rapid beating of my own heart and Liam's eyes burning holes in mine.

Nothing makes sense and suddenly I feel not only betrayed, but I feel like the biggest idiot for not seeing this sooner. The only thing I ever asked of him was to tell me the truth and he lied. What else is he lying about? What else is he not telling me? I can literally feel my heart shattering in my chest.

I break my eyes away from him, no longer able to look into the eyes of the man that I love, the man that I am quickly realizing I do not even know. Before I even realize what I am doing, I stand and quickly exit the ballroom. Christopher or Liam, whatever his name is, is forced to stand in front of a room full of people and watch me walk away.