Falling With Grace

Shit.

I threw off the covers, my bare feet hitting the chilled marble floor as I padded across the room and snatched my clothes off the floor and an oversized robe off the chair.

Tossing it over my shoulders, I tied the rope across my belly and rushed out the door.

A small figure stood in my way, her eyes half-closing as she smiled. “Buenos dias, mi hija.”

My heart jumped into my throat as I clutched the robe and clothing tight across my chest, then planted a masked smile. “Good morning, Rosa.”

“Come.” She waved me through the hallway into the foyer and patio, her gaze sweeping over the large embroidered ‘E’ on the robe. “Have tea with me.”

My breath hitched.

I can’t go out there.

What if Nadia sees me wearing his robe?

She’d know.

I groaned as Rosa turned thecorner leading to the patio, my hair flipping in the air as I followed.

Dammit.

Valeria placed a tray of tea on the table. Her gaze hit my feet and trailed up my body, her eyes widening.

It’s the robe.

Why didn’t I dress in my clothes?

A frown pulled at my lips, my stomach churning, my hands gripping my clothes as though they were the only lifeline around.

“Tea so early in the morning, Rosa? Have you eaten breakfast?” I gave her a tight-lipped smile as I sat.

Rosa brought the small cup to her lips and sipped. “It’s well past breakfast.”

I glance around me, searching for a clock. “It doesn’t feel like it.” I raised a brow. “What did you have for breakfast?”

“Tea,mi hija.”

I swallowed as a bite of sadness tugged at my heart. “I see. What do you have planned for today?” My hands shook in my lap. “Should we do some more weeding in the garden?”

“I thought I’d do some painting today. The mountains need a little color.”

The easel she had propped up in the sitting area inside was a landscape of tall, uncolored mountains with a valley of wildflowers painted below and a fawn sleeping in the center—her spots vibrant and unblemished.

“That’s a good idea.” I nodded, rolling my lips into a tight line. “Maybe we could add some more pieces to the puzzle?”

“Mmm.” She sipped her tea as I brought mine to my lips, the warm, honeyed liquid sliding down my parched throat. “What were you doing in Elias’ room?”

An audible air-filled gulp lurched from my throat. “I um…”

How do I tell this woman I slept with her son, who is engaged to be married?

How do I tell her it’s the most cherished I’ve felt in years?

“My robe was dirty, so I borrowed his.”

“I may be old, Grace.” Rosa laughed as she placed her cup down. “But I am no fool.”