Axel, Nik, and Ben are in the kitchen, keeping Maryanne company as she finishes the last-minute details. Johnny hasn’t arrived yet, but my eyes immediately catch the extra place setting at the table.
So, it’s real.
I tell myself to be kind, to be gracious. None of this isherfault. I don't even know her. Still, I can feel the pressure thrumming under my skin.
A few minutes before six, the familiar growl of Johnny’s motorcycle echoes up the drive.
“That should be them!” Maryanne says brightly, already moving toward the front door. Ben follows with an arm slung lovingly around her shoulders.
How comeshegets to ride on his motorcycle?!I’ve been begging for a ride for weeks, and all I get is a lecture about it ‘not being safe.’
“Ten bucks says she’s a total babe,” Nik mutters under his breath, trailing after them with a grin.
Axel stays behind, watching me with concern.
“You okay?”
“I’m fine.” The answer is too fast. Too sharp.
He doesn’t push. “I wanted to warn you sooner. I just… didn’t know how.”
I let out a laugh, but it’s thin and brittle. “Why would I care? He’s free to date whoever he wants.”
Axel doesn’t say anything. Just studies me. We both know I’m lying.
“He’s being a dumbass,” he says finally. “You know that, right? Anyone can see the way he looks at you.”
I can’t answer. I don’t trust my voice.
He turns to walk away from me, but I can’t suffer through dinner leaving things like this. In a panic, I reach out and grab the back of his flannel before he can leave.
“I’m sorry.” I make sure to inject all the vulnerability I’m feeling into my voice. “Thank you for not letting me walk into this blind.”
He turns back, the warmth in his eyes softening something in me. “I’d never let you do this alone.”
He offers his hand. I take it. And suddenly, I’m not walking into this dinner as the girl who got rejected. I’m walking in with someone who sees me.Reallysees me. And I’ve never been more grateful.
Chapter 29
Maryanne offers everyone a choice between beer or wine with dinner, and I don’t hesitate to accept a glass of red. There’s absolutely no way I’m getting through this meal without a little liquid courage.
Tasha, Johnny’s new girlfriend, is so painfully nice that I want to scream. The minute she walked through the door, she complimented my outfit and gushed about how inspirational I am for surviving Darren’s attack.
Yeah. I don’t hate her. I hate that Ilikeher.
She’s smart, thoughtful, emotionally intelligent… all the things Johnny should want in a woman. And judging by the way he can’t keep his eyes off her, he agrees. She’s stunning on the outside, too: silky black hair, glowing almond eyes, and flawless dark skin. Honestly, who wouldn’t be into her?
At the table, Axel and Nik sit on either side of me like guard dogs. Johnny and Tasha sit across from us, with Maryanne and Ben anchoring each end. The meal is… nice. Polite. Almosttoopolite.
We compliment Maryanne’s cooking. We talk football with Ben. We mention upcoming graduation plans. And of course, we learn that Tasha is pre-law. Naturally. Because if perfection wasn’t enough, she also has ambition and a ten-year plan.
Despite Maryanne’s announcement that we’re all allowed “just one,” the alcohol keeps refilling itself like magic, and by the time Ben and Maryanne excuse themselves to leave the “kids” to hang out, I’ve got a warm little buzz going.
That’s probably why I don’t immediately react when Nik drapes his arm across the back of my chair fingers grazing my arm. Or when Axel starts absently playing with a lock of my hair. It’s affectionate and innocent, but it doesn’t go unnoticed. Especially by Johnny.
I meet his gaze across the table, and the look he gives me is sharp enough to sober me up.
“Let’s go for a swim,” Axel suggests, draining the rest of his beer. It’s November, but with a heated pool, it’s not the craziest idea.
