He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. “Absolutely. You put so much thought into every relationship, every interaction. Even clients from the restaurant treat you like a friend. It’s…beautiful, really.”
The word beautiful hung in the air between us. That was the word I would use to describe everything about my best friend, from the way he looked to how he loved his family to the way he crafted words for the PR campaigns he worked on with his brothers. My fingers twitched, aching to reach out and touch his face, trace the curve of his jaw.
“I just wish…” I started, then hesitated. I couldn’t…
“What is it?” he leaned closer, his knee brushing against mine under the table.
My heart pounded so loudly I was sure he could hear it. I opened my mouth, the wordsDon’t marry Victoria because Ilove you, and I know I can make you happierbalanced on the tip of my tongue. But fear gripped me, squeezing my chest.
“I just wish it was easier sometimes,” I said instead. “To connect with people, you know?”
Adam’s expression softened with sympathy. “I can only imagine. But hey, you’ve got me, right? Always.”
I forced a smile, even as my heart twisted. “Yeah, I’ve got you.”
3
RIVER
Wedding Day
The door opened, and I jumped.
“What are you doing out here, mumbling to yourself? I’m the one who’s meant to be nervous. Fuck. I’m getting married today. Can you believe that?”
I stared at Adam. His navy suit fit him perfectly, but his hair was styled too neatly. His socks didn’t match. One was white and the other gray. Had he noticed?
“River?” he called again.
“Yes. Sorry…may I come in?”
He pulled my hand and dragged me in, closing the door behind us.
“Why aren’t you dressed yet?” He walked over to the floor-to-ceiling mirror in his room and started playing with his tie, redoing what had already been a perfect knot.
“Adam, I…” Fuck, I couldn’t do this. Victoria’s cowardly letter burned in my hands, reminding me of my job. I had to break Adam’s heart in her place.
My heart, I didn’t care much about. It was permanently damaged. I’d accepted that a long time ago. But Adam’s? His was precious.
I had to remember I was just the messenger. This wasn’t my fault.
“What’s up?” he asked, turning to face me.
A knock on the door made us both startle.
“Adam, honey? Can I see you?” his mom called from the other side of the door.
He took the few strides to the door, and as soon as he opened it, his mom ran into his arms.
“Oh, my baby. You look so handsome.”
“Thanks, Mom. Everything okay?” he asked.
“Of course. I just wanted to see you before everything got a little crazy. Your dad and grandma wanted to come over, but I didn’t want to put all the pressure on you. If you’re anything like your dad, you’ll be nervous enough. On our wedding day, he…” She started but shook her head before finishing her thought. “Those are memories for another day. Today is all about you and Victoria.”
She straightened his already-straight tie. Her loving gaze as she cradled her son’s cheeks spoke of nothing but pure love and pride.
Carla was an amazing woman and an even better mom. I should know. After all, I’d practically lived in the Spencer household since I was five, and now, as the manager of the restaurant, I spent enough time with her and Adam’s dad.
