Sydney

While Leah blabbered on incessantly, I twirled my straw in my cold coffee. I had planned to catch up with Leah because it was a Saturday and I was free and bored at home. Mike had graciously declined to meet, stating that he was occupied.

"Are you even listening, Sydney?" She grumbled.

I raised my eyes to her.

" I apologise for being a little distracted."

"I understand, Aiden is back after all," she smiled.

I rolled my eyes, " it's not what you are thinking. We haven't..... I mean he has been acting weird since the last few days," I said.

"Weird as in?" She asked.

"He's been gentler, less obnoxious, and he continues staring at me like I'm a snack!"

Leah burst out laughing.

"How's it going with your sex life?" I sighed exasperatedly when she asked!

"Please, Leah, believe me when I say I'm serious!" I said this as I folded my arms and sat back in my chair.

"Sydney, I'm serious. Is he still smitten with you? That could give us a hint about his mood."

I thought back over the last few weeks and said carefully.

"He's been distant, but he got me a beautiful necklace, and he's taking me to a birthday celebration today. He's been behaving nice."

"You know, men buy you expensive gifts if they care about you or want to make up for some mistake," Leah said, furrowing her brows.

"Well, in Aiden's case, it's probably just one of his whims; he's too flawless to make any mistakes," I said sarcastically.

"Anyway, if Aiden is being polite, I don't see a problem. After all, it's simply a commercial deal. Isn't that so? Simply appreciate it while it lasts and take precautions." She smiled slyly as she sipped her frappe.

"What's more! You are correct; Aiden's oddities should not disturb me. Also, thank you for reminding me that I need to see a gynaecologist. So, how are things at work?" I inquired, shifting the conversation's focus.

After a brief conversation, I was going to depart when Aiden's phone call interrupted my plans.

He said, "Where are you, Sydney?"

"At the Blue Moon Cafe with Leah. As I already said....."

"Stay put, I'll be right there to pick you up." He said abruptly and hung up the phone. I was perplexed as I glanced at the phone, unsure of what to do next.

"What?" Leah inquired, her face as perplexed as mine.

"Aiden is on his way to getting me."

"Did he seem agitated?" She inquired.

"No, but it's impossible to say. He is unpredictable." With a shrug, I replied.

Aiden arrived in his Audi about 15 minutes later. He told my security and chauffeur to return to the mansion. He even smiled and exchanged a few words with Leah. I rolled my eyes as she gushed and grinned coyly.
The scent of flowers filled my nostrils as I entered his car. On the back seat of the car, two wreaths made of seasonal white flowers were kept.

"Where are we going?" I asked Aiden.

"You will see," he replied without looking at me.

We drove in silence for another 20 minutes. The car stopped near a cemetery on a slope near the ocean. A lush green carpet of grass greeted us as we walked inside carrying the wreath. Seeing his solemn mood, I didn't ask anything, just followed Aiden until he stopped near two tombstones. They were sleek and simple, decorated with white marble. I read the names on them and gasped.

'In loving memory of Thomas Malcolm Reiner and Elizabeth Reiner,' the headstone read.

" They're your parents!" I blurted out.

He smiled and nodded.

"I am so sorry Aiden, why didn't you tell me we would be visiting their graves? I would have dressed more appropriately." I regretted wearing my old jeans and a casual blouse.

"It doesn't matter, it's not like they can see you. I visit them a few times a year. Today is one of those days," he said softly. His eyes on the tombstones.

He looked sad and vulnerable. I felt bad for him.
"Shall we put the wreaths now?" I asked.

He smiled and nodded. I assisted him with placing the wreaths. We knelt and offered a silent prayer. When I got back, I asked him if he wanted to sit for a while. He agreed, much to my surprise. We sat on a bench overlooking the beach on a bright sunny day. My hair was flying around in the salty sea breeze, so I pulled it back into a bun.

I said, largely to break his stillness, "Tell me about your parents."

"There is nothing much to tell. I don't remember much about my mother. My dad was a good father, though he was always busy he made sure to meet me at least once a week until he died when I was 16. He was a shrewd businessman. I have learnt a lot from him."
Another long pause followed.

"How about your parents, Sydney? You never bring them up." He inquired.
I averted my gaze. This was not a question I expected to be asked.

"They were lovely, hardworking folks. Growing up in a little coastal village, I had the most idyllic childhood."

I took a breather.

"You may tell me if something is hurting you, Syd." He said this as he took my hand in his. I fixed my gaze on him.

"Everyone believed my parents' marriage was fantastic. They were an ideal couple with an ideal family. My father, on the other hand, was having an affair with one of my mother's friends. They fought when my mother found out. That was only natural. Things became tense, and my mother drove away enraged. My father followed her in his car, and they were involved in a collision......" I came to a halt to catch my breath.

Aiden wrapped his arm over my arm and stroked it.

"It's all right...I'm sorry for what happened."

"It all happened so fast, I barely had the time to register everything. My dad hurt my mother, but I can't hate him. He was my dad after all. At the same time, I feel bad for my mom. Before any closure, they died. It's .....just so unfair." My voice broke.

"Is that why you distrust everyone and don't want to be in a relationship?" He asked.

"It's not like that, Aiden. I did have relationships, but they just fizzled out." I protested.

Aiden didn't say anything. He just hugged me and placed my head on his chest. We sat like that for a long time.

"I would never hurt you, Syd, I promise." He said out of the blue.

"I believe you, Aiden," I whispered back.

"I am glad you trust me. Shall we go back?" He asked.

I nodded, and we walked back towards his car. I saw a new side of Aiden today. It was unexpected.

**************************

That evening, I rummaged through my closet, unsure of what to wear. I chose a full-length blue chiffon gown with delicate criss-cross spaghetti straps as my wedding gown. Several strands were joined by a brilliant diamond brooch on the small of the back, while the front neckline was in a V-shaped shape that showed a hint of my cleavage. It would go well with the necklace.
My black hair was pulled back into a French chignon, with a few strands falling across my face. Aiden's diamond ring, blue matching studs, and the choker completed my ensemble. I looked in the full-length mirror one last time and was rather happy with the result. Not over-dressed or under-dressed. Near my neck, a bright blue sapphire shone vividly.
Aiden was already waiting for me outside the main door, resting against a gleaming black Lamborghini. In a dark blue silk shirt and a jacket with double-pleated trousers, he looked dashing.
As I exited, he kept the door open for me.

He kissed my knuckles like a gallant knight and murmured, "You look wonderful."

I reddened a little.
"Thank you," I answered, "and you look great as well."
He flashed his most endearing grin.

About forty-five minutes later, we stopped in front of an elegant restaurant with a wide staircase. Aiden handed his key and a generous tip to the parking attendant before taking my arm and leading me up the impressive staircase. The maitre d' showed us to a private alcove with a lover's seat.
I looked around at the beautifully designed restaurant with heavy gold and red drapes on the walls, which made it very cosy and intimate. There was soft music playing in the background.

"Whose birthday is it? I don't see anyone other than the normal diners?" I asked curiously.

"It's my birthday," he said, grinning.