My shower was lightning fast since I was short on time. I opened the shower door to find him sitting on the toilet lid, covering his face with his hands.
“I’m covered, dude, you’re fine,” I said, assuming he was trying not to see my dick. But then I noticed his shoulders shaking. “Oh, Jack, man.” I put a hand on his shoulder, noting in the mirror that I needed a shave but knowing there wasn’t time.
“I was just so hopeful when we got married and it’s gone so far south. I never wanted this to happen. Harper and Jace don’t deserve this.” He fell apart further, fully sobbing.
I dashed in the room to scramble to get dressed. “Um, are you sure you can go to brunch?”
“I’ll be fine,” he sniffed. “I’ll pull it together.”
“Splash some cold water on your face?” I was already toeing my shoes on and checking myself in the mirror. “Look, I’ve gotta go, but I’ll see you down there?”
* * *
Brunch was winding down. Annie had been avoiding me pretty steadily, talking to people from Kitty’s side. Then a knife clinked on a glass at our table. It was Mikey, standing and tugging Jessie up with him.
“You want to tell them, hon?” he asked.
“Both of us,” she said with a grin.
“Okay, well, not to stomp on Stelle and Kitty’s big day, but,” Mikey started, then looked to Jessie.
“We’re engaged!” they said together. Jessie held up her left hand, showing off a glittering rock.
Congratulations came from all around the table as they started their train of hugs. While everyone was distracted, Annie appeared at my side.
“Your wallet,” she said with a timid smile, extending it.
“Oh, thanks,” I said, taking it from her and stuffing it in myback pocket. “Sorry about earlier.”
She waved me off. “It’s okay. I’m sorry I snapped. I don’t handle running late well. I don’t like letting people down.”
“Think we can squeeze in nine holes?”
She gave an apologetic smile. “I think I’m taking off in a few. My dad wants to drive me back to Charleston so we can catch up.”
My stomach sank like I was walking into the ocean with cinderblocks in my pockets. “Oh. Like now?”
She nodded. “After I say bye to Kitty, yeah.”
“So this is goodbye?”
“’Fraid so.”
I swallowed hard. “Could I maybe get your number? Maybe we could meet up when we play in Nashville. Or if you come out to L.A.”
She smiled with empty eyes as she unlocked and handed me her phone. “Put it in there, bub.”
I texted myself and handed it back to her. “Well, hey, it’s been really nice getting to know you.”
One of her dimples popped as she said, “I know. You too.” She extended her arms for a hug.
“I hope I see you again sometime.”
“Me too,” she said into my shoulder.
The urge to kiss her almost broke me, but I knew it wasn’t appropriate. It was wild enough for her to kiss me on the dance floor the night before, but this was the day after. The mood was different. It was leaving time. And it’s not like we were a couple. We just had some chemistry in a weekend.
Jessie and Mikey had made it around the table to me, so it was our turn to offer congratulations. Annie gave Jessie a hug, then turned to go. I told them I was happy for them. I even made a joke that Mikey wasn’t my real dad just because he was marrying Mommy.
