SAVANNAH
After dinner, Jocelyn and I sat on the couch while Rafe and the Estrella men spoke. Jocelyn asked more about me: my age, family, and job, so I talked about Michael and how I landed a post in Carter’s office. She also mentioned Sofia, who she said was the same age as me. Little did she know, I knew her daughter so much that she even betrayed me and stole my husband. But of course, I couldn’t tell her that. She seemed so proud of her. How would she feel if her daughter, a rising star, had become a mistress?
I wouldn’t be able to forgive Sofia. However, I can imagine now how she became the way she was. After leaving the states, she was all alone in Mexico. Her parents wanted her to be an actress or a singer. But she had no friends or siblings, couldn’t speak her dad’s language fluently, and had been bullied while her parents were always busy with work. She told me she never wanted to leave New York. Mexico was where she was born, but she grew up in the US.
“She’s skeptical that her dad wants to sell shares to a US studio,” Jocelyn explained. “But I know my husband. He makes decisions on his own for himself, his people, and his family. Not that he wants to give up PeekFlix, but his ambition brought him here. He wants to see PeekFlix thrive.” Jocelyn took my hand and brought it to her lap, and smiled. “He likes Rafael’s offer. Emilio doesn’t want to lose his position or the money. He likes money as much as he cares for his family.”
“That’s good news, but why do you think your daughter is skeptical?”
“She’s worried her dad might lose everything. Despite Emilio being a strict parent, she loves her father and is still sweet to him.”
“I’m sure Mr. Estrella won’t lose what he worked hard for. I’m not saying this because Rafe is my boss—”
“And your boyfriend,” she added, smiling.
I smiled back. I was definitely going to tell Jocelyn Rafe wasn’t my boyfriend. “Um... I saw the proposal. Sebastian Entertainment will keep Mr. Estrella’s position and authority, and Rafael will also expand PeekFlix globally—especially in the Eastern audience. There would be headquarters in Japan, Korea, and Australia.”
“Yes.” She nodded, sighing. “But he’s still deciding. There are two other companies he’s considering. I’m sure you’ve heard of that.”
“Yes, but I don’t worry. My bosses are very patient. They make sure everyone will benefit from this.”
“I will believe you.” Her smile touched her eyes. “But I’m not the one deciding, so all I can do is wait.” She leaned closer to whisper, “Honestly, I don’t like Lockhart’s wife. She’s a snob.” She winked at me. “Emilio always believed a wife’s face is also the husband... or boyfriend’s. How long are you and Mr. Sebastian dating?”
“Oh no. We’re not really...”
“What do you mean, darling?”
“To be honest with you, he’s not my boyfriend.”
“But he said—” she paused, frowning. “—Are you sure about that?”
“I don’t want you to misunderstand. But I think we’re just... I don’t know what exactly that is.” But there was something. I could feel that unexplainable energy between us I chose to ignore.
“Ah. I know what you mean. Rafael probably thinks you already are. I saw how affectionately he looks at you. He has the gaze of a man that wants a woman. Believe me. What’s wrong, my dear? Don’t you like him?”
My blood rose in my cheeks. Did he look at me like that? I never noticed. I always thought it was the other way around because I never stopped thinking about him.
Yes, he behaved as though he was attracted to me, but I was sure it was only for his amusement. How could a man like him look at a woman like me? That was impossible. I told him I was married, and he knew who I was married to.
But if I went back to when Rafael comforted me at the party, brought me to his arms, treated me to dinner, and drove me home. And his little flirting, gestures that made me think about him more, and how he touched me in the car earlier.
Was it possible he was attracted to me, too?
I refused to think so.
I looked in Rafe’s direction, and it was exactly that moment; he looked at me too. His expression was passive, but his gaze was deep and heated, as if he was going to evaporate.
“See?” Jocelyn said, smiling. “How could he not be your boyfriend? Make up your mind while it is still early. Girls flock around boys like him.” She waved a hand at him and beamed. Rafael nodded, but he looked back at me.
I tore my gaze away and touched my warm face. “You think he likes me back? That man doesn’t commit. He told me himself.”
“Oh God, my darling. Boys don’t usually tell women their secrets in the dating phase. Considering he told you that he’s already thinking about it. Trust me. Have you ever had a boyfriend? You don’t seem to have much knowledge of dating.”
“Once. He was a high school boyfriend.” Who apparently left me for your daughter. It was a pity. I didn’t want to lie to the woman because I thought Jocelyn was a good person. It wasn’t my fault either, anyway, so I didn’t need to explain. If she found out later, it would be on her daughter.
“That explains it.” She snapped a finger. “You don’t have much experience with boys.”
I shook my head. What did I know besides dating one man in my life and marrying him, but that had also failed?
“When I was your age, I had five relationships before I met Sofia’s dad,” she went on. “I’ve met and experienced relationships with different faces, and I know this one because Emilio is like your man here. I know he loves me, but he’s a workaholic, and his father’s opinion of him mattered so much that he lost most of his time living for himself. Mexican in-laws are very family oriented. You can’t even miss one event. He eventually and gradually changed when Sofia came into our lives.”
I giggled. “That’s nice.”
“It’s just a shame she found someone unsuitable for her. Her dad is against her new boyfriend.” She moved closer again to whisper. “He’s still married.”
I jolted. My heartbeat sped up at the sudden mention of it. But I couldn’t help but ask. “How about you? Where do you stand?”
“Sofia told me she liked Edward very much for a long time, but when she left Mexico, he married someone else. Her boyfriend thought she wasn’t going back to the states, but when she did, she said he’s still the one he loves.”
I frowned. “That’s what she told you?”
“Yes. She said they both liked each other before he married another.”
Shivers crawled down my skin at the fake love story Sofia told her parents. She was lying to them.
She knew, and she was there when Edward became my boyfriend. He was mine first. She knew very well what happened back then until I married him.
Or was my cheating husband lying to me? Were they together, too, while he was dating me? But what was the point of asking that now? I’d already chosen to let him go.
“My poor girl.” Jocelyn shook her head, clicking her tongue. “I can’t do anything about it because she cried at me. I don’t think I have the right to dictate her life because I wasn’t there for her when she needed me. I’ve helped her dad in the business that I, too, neglected her. But I don’t think Emilio is wrong either. We all want the best for her. Oh, God. I’m sorry. I must be boring you.”
“No, no. Not at all. I’m glad to have spoken with you, Jocelyn.” I held her hand as well and gave her a gentle squeeze. “I hope you figure out if you wish to support your daughter or not.”
“What do you mean, my dear?”
“If your daughter’s boyfriend is still married, what would his current wife think?”
She stared at me sincerely for a moment. “Of course, that must be awful. I can’t imagine that with Emilio. The idea alone scares me. “
“It is,” I whispered. I was going through that right now. Thanks to Sofia and Edward.
“I’m sorry?”
“Oh, it’s nothing. What does Mr. Estrella think about it?”
“Her father was mad that she brought him to our party recently. Were you there?”
“Yes, I went with my bosses.”
“Oh, well. Then you must have heard of them. The Reeds. One of Sebastian Entertainment’s competitors. Edward’s family owns New Star Media—one of the studios Emilio is considering for this partnership because their proposal was promising. Our daughter recently just signed a contract with them, too. But we wouldn’t have let her go to them if we knew her reason was personal.”
“So you don’t want the guy?” I asked, hoping I didn’t sound intrusive. The issue concerned me more than it involved anyone.
“Emilio thinks he is shameless. We love Sofia so much, you see. But in the end, it is still up to her who she wants to be with. But that doesn’t make us want him for our daughter.”
“You’re great parents. Your daughter is lucky.”
“That’s very sweet. Thank you, Savannah.” She clasped her mouth. “Oh my gosh. I’m already sharing a private matter with you. What’s gotten into me?”
“It’s fine.” I grinned. “I’m always good with conversations.” See Rafael? This was what I was telling you!
“I can see that.” She brushed her finger on her chin, staring into my eyes. “This is why I think Rafael is fond of you.”
“Honestly, I don’t think he is fond of me. He’s just my boss, and we’re just...”
“Friends? I don’t think so. No friends who look at each other like you want to make out and undress each other. I might be old, but I’ve been there. That’s what I saw even at first glance.”
My cheeks heated. “Fine. I like him, Jocelyn.” It was fun talking to her. She was like a mother.
“And you didn’t tell him that?”
I bit my bottom lip. “No. I don’t have the right to.”
“When do you think you’ll have that, right? When he finds someone else? Think about it.”
“If he finds someone else, he’s not for me.”
Jocelyn flashed out a broad smile. “Fair point. You know what, I like you. I hope my husband chooses your company so we can talk more. You have my vote, Savannah. I’m a major shareholder, too, you see...”
I chuckled. “Then Rafe would be thankful to me if we got chosen.”
I knew what she said was only a joke, but it was still nice to hope and dream.