Chasing Him - Kat T. Masen Page 0,13

and doing it all on his own now. In front of this crowd, something about the way he owns the room reminds me of my brother.

“To be standing here today isn’t only a dream of mine, but a reminder of our privilege. We live in a world where anything is possible. Our daily struggles are not the lack of water, food, or freedom. We’re programmed to believe one person can’t make a difference, however here I stand as one person. When you read their stories, your heart is reaching out to them. When you purchase my book, it’s bringing fresh water to a village. For as long as I have a voice, I’ll continue to share their stories and, in return, ask for your continual support. Thank you.”

The crowd raises their glasses followed by another loud applause. A few drunk folks in the crowd whistle—of course, Barry is one of them. Blondie is quick to get her hands on Julian as soon as he walks off the stage.

Fuck that bitch.

Annoyed, I walk toward the lady who’s distributing the books. I may have glassy eyes, but I can read the blurb. Julian is no doubt extremely talented. His book is a memoir of his time spent abroad. Reading the blurb alone leaves me all teary-eyed. I turn the page to read the dedication.

Dedicated to you.

My friend, my demon, my savior.

I shut the cover and hold it toward my chest. Quickly, I grab my purse to hand the lady a bill, interrupted as Julian’s tight grip pulls my hand back.

“I’ve got a special copy for you,” he murmurs into my ear.

Placing my hand into his, he leads me outside to the balcony. Only a few people mingle, the majority have moved inside as a local band starts to play.

“Big night for you.” I struggle to make conversation, the blonde playing on my mind. I want to ask him if he is fucking her. Surely, that isn’t inappropriate? You’re an idiot, and you are drunk.

“Yes, and I couldn’t have asked to share it with anyone else besides you.” He smiles.

“Or your publicist,” I blurt out.

Fuck.

He distances himself, turning to face me while pressing his lips together. “You don’t trust me?”

“You’re so fucking hot, and every woman in this room wants their hands on you. I’m not stupid, you need sex, and I’ve had way too much to drink,” I babble incoherently.

“Does every woman in this room want their hands on me?” His smirk leaves me breathless.

“Yes… no… I don’t know. Is Tooheys really just beer?”

He nods his head in amusement and turns to face the water. We remain quiet for a while as we both stare at the ocean. He asks me if I want to dance. I nod, and we make our way back into the room. Placing his arm around my waist, he pulls me in as the soft beats of Michael Bublé play in the background. I lean my head on his shoulder and enjoy the music until the song switches and ‘Unchained Melody’ is played.

Our wedding song.

A familiar, anxious feeling rushes through me. The weight of my decisions, where I stand, who I’m with instantly riddles me with guilt, and without even thinking, I pull away and run for the exit. Julian quickly follows me outside, watching me struggle to gulp for air.

“Adriana… what is it?” he asks in a panic.

“I want to go back to the hotel.”

“Okay, give me a minute. Stay right here, and I’ll just say goodbye.”

He enters the building, and with minutes passing, I walk toward the street and hail a cab back to the hotel as my tears fall freely—the weight inside my chest burdening my soul.

I hear my phone vibrate, but I ignore it, waiting until I’m alone in my room.

It’s not a long ride over the bridge but long enough for my guilt to manifest into something bigger. When the hotel is in view, I’m relieved, paying the driver and exiting quickly.

As soon as I’m back in my room and the door closes behind me, I break down in sobs and fall to the ground. In a feeble attempt, I pull out my cell and read the text sitting on the screen.

Julian: We need to talk.

I don’t respond, and it isn’t long before I hear the gentle knock on my door. I’m scared to open it, scared to see his face and feel the conflicted emotions swirling around me. I’m unable to rid myself of the wave of pain which rises and