Chapter 115 - The Brothers Keeper (2/2)

Claire tries to run after him, but Gabriel holds her back. ”Let me talk to him. This is all my fault. I'm the big idiot. I didn't really think through this…this dinner.”

He follows Miguel into the suite, but finds no one. ”Migs?” he calls out in the darkness; the power has not come back yet, as it's supposed to last two full hours. ”Migs?”

But Miguel's not there.

He returns to the garden and finds Claire deep in thought, sitting by the table, gazing sadly at the otherwise festive spread, alone. The musicians are long gone; they had bounced the moment Miguel appeared. Now, what's supposedly a romantic setup seems a most heartbreaking sight; the candles even flicker in the evening breeze, commiserating.

”He's gone,” he says, running his hand through his hair.

”I'm sorry I called him up. I was in a panic,” she says, standing up to face him.

”Anyone who loved me would call up my brother,” he says. ”This is on me. I didn't realize the implications of my little stunt. I was living in a bubble, you know. Like we're the only people in the world, and this entire world is our playroom. Like I forgot about other people's feelings. There's no one else in my mind but you, and everything else—my stature, my responsibilities for my businesses, everything—seems unnecessary things that only get in the way. That's why I tend to make these spot decisions.” He sighs. ”I'll make up for it. I'll pay him a visit tomorrow, have an earnest talk. I can't talk to him now. It might only lead to something we both don't want to happen.”

She says nothing; she just gazes in his eyes.

”I'm sorry,” he says. ”I'm a fool in love.”

”I'm a fool, too,” she says. ”Maybe more than a fool.”

They lock in a desperate embrace. He doesn't kiss her; he just wants to feel that she's there, warm and real, that they're together on this night on the rooftop of the city's tallest skyscraper. Here, it's so easy to give in to the illusion that there's only the two of them in the entire universe; an illusion he loves surrendering to.

”Look,” he says, pointing to the evening sky. ”It's full moon.”

”It's beautiful,” she says. ”And look down there. The power's still out.”

Down on the city's streets, only the headlights from passing cars give illumination; the buildings are all still dark, save for a few occasional lighted windows.

”Well, the power should…” Gabriel looks at his wristwatch. ”It should return any minute now.”

As if on cue, the buildings around them suddenly light up; the huge billboard blinks to life in front of them, advertising a new TV series on Netflix.

”You say things and it happens!” she says. ”You're such a lucky guy.” But she's really thinking about these happy coincidences, not about Gabriel's life in general.

”Yes, I am,” he says, looking at her. ”I am.” But he's really thinking of how lucky he is for finding her. And how, if he could have his way, he doesn't want this night to ever end.