Flash Burned (Burned 2)
“Thanks, but I’m driving,” I lied, so as not to raise any sort of suspicion. I didn’t need her speculating as to whether or not I was pregnant. Not that she would have any reason to jump to that conclusion, but I preferred precautionary measures. “Besides, we can’t stay long. I just wondered … Is there someplace a little more private where we can talk?”
The tasting room was hopping for the middle of the afternoon. I could only imagine how packed it was when happy hour rolled around.
“Sì, sì. Of course.” She led us to a small office in the back.
We all filed in and I got down to business. “I wanted to offer my condolences in person. I should have come sooner, but I’ve been … recovering.”
It took less than a nanosecond for tears to flood her eyes, and I instantly
felt the tinge of guilt. This was why she’d played all easy-breezy and cheery out front. Because seeing me obviously brought on a rush of pain.
“I’m so sorry,” I said. “I have no intention of tormenting you. I just—”
“I understand, Ari.” With a nod, she said, “When I saw from the news reports that you were hospitalized after the explosion, I felt so bad for you. I wanted to come see you. But, of course … I was just so devastated.”
Kyle leapt up and snatched a couple of tissues from a box on the credenza and handed one to each of us.
“How considerate,” Mikaela mumbled as she dabbed at the corners of her eyes.
I said, “The flowers you sent me were beautiful. And greatly appreciated.”
“As were yours.” She gave me a solemn look and told me, “I still can’t believe the Lux is gone. And Dane … Well, that’s just too distressing to think about. He was always so larger-than-life, so indestructible. I keep thinking he’s on an extended business trip, and will be walking through the front door any day now.”
I fought the emotion that swelled in my throat. But I couldn’t stop the tears from burning the backs of my eyes. “I know it’s difficult. And, that I’m aware of, there was no service.”
“Nor an obituary—other than the press release from the Lux’s PR people. I didn’t have the heart to submit one. Dane was such a private person. What would I have said about him? And he didn’t have family other than Amano. On top of all of that, I simply haven’t accepted the finality yet.”
I could understand that sentiment, commiserate. Yet I said, “It seems as though there should be a public recognition of his life. He had friends, business associates, employees.”
Mikaela sniffled as her eyes continued to mist. “You’re right. It’s just so painful to even think of him being—”
“I know,” I interjected before she said that one word that would make me fall apart in front of her. “But he deserves to be honored.”
She nodded again. “I’ll take care of it and let you know the details. Why don’t you give me your cell number?”
“I don’t have one. It was at the Lux that night.”
Handing over a business card, she said, “Then call me early next week. I’ll come up and we can have lunch.”
“That would be nice.” Weird was the more appropriate term, but … whatever.
We stood and hugged once more. Her gaze lingered on Kyle as he politely told her it was nice to meet her. I didn’t know if Fabrizio was still her boyfriend, but she practically devoured Kyle with a hungry gaze.
He didn’t seem to notice. His hand flattened against the small of my back and he guided me out.
The drive to Sedona was a quiet one at first. I could tell Kyle had found the exchange with Mikaela as awkward as I had. Eventually, he put a voice to the thoughts we both seemed mired in.
He said, “It doesn’t seem right that Mikaela would hold a memorial service, instead of Dane’s wife.”
I shot him a look. “People don’t know I’m Dane’s wife, Kyle. No one would question her pulling it all together. They grew up with each other.”
He sighed. “I’m not trying to rub it in here. I’m just … I don’t know. I’m so damn sorry you have to go through all of this, Ari. It’s—” He shook his head.
I swallowed down a lump of emotion “You don’t have to say anything, Kyle. You can be angry and you can hate the choices I made. I don’t regret them. I’m not happy that they upset you—”
“I’m not just upset, Ari.” His hands gripped the wheel tightly. “I’m … I’m … Fuck.” Anguish tinged his deep tone, but he finally said, “I’m heartbroken. For you. This really shitty thing happened to you, not me, and yet … I’m all torn up—for you.”
More tears sprang to my eyes. I should be used to the waterworks by now, but this time I was distraught over how my life so greatly affected Kyle’s.