LENKA
I can't help but feel that this dress is a bit too flashy for the occasion. There’s no back to it, so I couldn’t even wear a bra. With the low-cut front, it feels as if I’m showing a bit too much cleavage.
I cautiously wave at Danny when I see him, thinking that I don’t want too many people seeing the ring. They’ll know it’s Adele’s. I’m sure she’s been showing it to everyone, and I feel like an imposter wearing it. Then again, I feel that way about the dress, too. The only thing that’s mine is the lace panties that I have on underneath.
I take a deep breath, thinking about all the things that Danny told me. As long as no one approaches me, all I need to do is smile and act as if I’m the happiest girl in the world. That’s not difficult. I can do it. I’ve done it many times before.
I shake away my thoughts, noticing that Adele’s walking up to me. Danny’s making no attempt to approach me, which makes me feel awkward. There’s no smile or emotion on his face.
“Wow, you look amazing.” Adele kisses me on both cheeks. I don’t know what to do. Danny's just watching us from a distance.
“Thank you.” I beam at her.
She whispers, “Does the ring fit?”
“It’s a bit tight, but it fits. My name’s Lenka, by the way. In case he didn't tell you.”
“I’ve told everyone about you, so hopefully things will go a lot smoother for you guys. No one can believe that Danny’s getting married.” Adele laughs. “My brother’s a good man. He just had an unfortunate experience,” she assures me.
“Okay.”
“If you can just make sure that she doesn’t spoil my wedding...” Adele glances over at Harper.
“I’ll do what I can.” I hug her, and then she smiles as she parts ways with me.
I turn to head towards Danny. I didn't notice that while I was hugging Adele, someone spilled a beverage just where I’m about to step. My legs slip out from beneath me, and I begin to fall. My heart races with panic. I close my eyes for the impact just before feeling strong arms swooping around me.
“Be careful,” Danny says, gazing down at me. I know that I can stand up by myself, but I find myself clinging to him. “You have Harper to thank for that,” he tells me in a serious tone before placing me on my feet.
“Uh-huh.” I find myself unable to think of anything else to say, sad that I'm no longer in his arms.
***
By the end of the night, nearly everyone believes our story of being engaged. Harper is staring at me as if she wants to rip me apart. I ignore her. Danny’s always by my side, one hand around my waist, looking after me.
The night comes to an end, and the guests start descending to their cabins.
Danny whispers as he pulls me close, “You ready?”
I incline my head. “I thought you’d never ask.”
He laughs. “That bad?”
“No, I’m just exhausted." It’s been an emotional rollercoaster. When I was touching and holding him, I wasn’t acting. Wanting to be close to him just came naturally.
“So, tomorrow we’ll go up and have breakfast. I think Adele said around nine," he tells me.
I start to get nervous as we head down to his suite and I think about the sleeping arrangements. He turns on the light and asks, “Hey, do you mind if I have one of the covers for the floor?”
“Danny, this is your room. We can sleep in the same bed.” My stomach twists, wondering if he'll misconstrue what I'm offering.
“Are you sure? I asked you to pretend to be my fiancée. I don’t expect anything else. I just want to be clear about that.”
I smile at him and then head to the bathroom, wondering if he's being sincere. I change into my night shirt, freshen up a bit and brush my teeth. Then I take a deep breath and head to the bedroom, fantasizing about all the things that could happen tonight. Danny's already in bed. I crawl in beside him and turn off the light.
“Good night, Lenka,” he says.
I turn to face him, but I can’t see him. I can smell his woody scent next to me. I thought that he would want me. I had visions of coming out of the bathroom and having him ready to take me. I feel completely disappointed as I whisper, “Good night.”