I smile at her, but it doesn’t reach my eyes. “I’m sorry, weasel.”
She swats the air. “Today’s not about that.”
A burst of laughter pulls our attention to the dance floor, just in time to see Dad take Mum’s hand and twirlher around, her face lit with joy. Even after forty-two years married, they’re still madly in love.
Anna watches them for a beat, then turns to me with a sad, soft smile. “I’m really going to miss you.”
I throw my arm around her shoulders, pulling her in for a side hug. “Yeah. Me too.”
When Gemma takes James’s and April’s hands, dancing with the both of them in a circle, my throat constricts.
She’s so damn beautiful.
I want to go to her.
God, do I want to go to her.
But I won’t. Not here. Not now.
Her head’s thrown back in laughter and she’s surrounded by people who love her. There’s a time and a place to confront her, and her best friend’s wedding doesn’t fall into either of those categories.
ButChrist, I miss her. I miss holding her. I miss kissing her. I miss tickling her and falling asleep with her. I miss undressing and tasting her. I miss threading my fingers through her hair and laughing with her.
So, I give myself three more seconds to watch her. To study her. To memorize her smile.
I stare at my phone for a long time before punching out a text and hitting send. Then, I set my drink down, hug my sister tight, and slip on my jacket.
And I leave.
Chapter Sixty-Two
Gemma
Guests clap and cheer as April and James disappear through the large reception doors hand in hand, blissful in love.
My gaze sweeps over the room, looking for Max, wondering if he left and I missed him. I look down at my phone screen, rereading his text.
Max:I leave tomorrow morning, and the idea of getting on that plane without talking to you is killing me.I want you to know that I meant everything I said. I still do.
“He left,” a voice says behind me.
I turn and find Anna.
She tips her chin toward the door. “A little while ago.”
I nod, pressing my lips together tightly, unsure of what to say. Both because this is awkward, but also because I might start crying again, and I’ve had enough of tears.
She rolls her eyes. “Oh, for fuck’s sake, just go to him, will you?”
I blink. “What?”
“You both look so bloody glum,” she says, crossing her arms. “He loves you, Gemma. Can’t you see that?”
My brows draw together. “I… I thought you—”
“I was angry. I was hurt. But watching you two dance around your feelings isexhausting. You’re both bloody hopeless.”
I stare at her, speechless.
