“I don’t think we’ve properly met. I’m Josh Callaway. I’m Kate’s boyfriend.” He sticks out his hand, his tone clipped at the edges—almost as if I’m not supposed to be here. He gives me a knowing smile like he remembers exactly where he knows me from, yet doesn’t say anything about it. I glance between him and his hand, and he looks around at the other guests as if he considers the contact a chore. I scoff slightly and begrudgingly shake.
“Nice to meet you.”
He drops my hand quickly, like a pathetic show of his superiority. Though, the action falls short when he somewhat discreetly rubs it on his slacks and I realize that I make him nervous. Dad observes the interaction before wrapping me in a big bear hug, and I return the gesture. After a bit, he pulls back and smiles before it drops into a frown.
“You’re late,” he says, arching an eyebrow, and I give a sheepish expression.
“Traffic.”
He looks at me, making sure I’m not lying, and when he’s satisfied, he nods. Clapping me on the back, he says, “I’ve missed you, son.”
Giving him a small smile, I murmur, “I did too, Dad.”
He moves out of the way and she instantly comes into view; my heart constricts as if someone shot an arrow through it.
“Bianca,” I breathe.
Why?Whyis it that when I’m around her, the past five years are forgotten so easily? Five years I’ve been missing—hell,pining—for her. How do people do this? Because wrestling with your head and heart is damn near exhausting.
My eyes meet those bottomless blue ones, and I clear my throat, avoiding them. The very eyes that are in myeverydrawing, those eyes that I would look into for years of my life. My inner child jumps with joy once again, but before either of us can say something, even though I see it in her eyes that she is about to—someone speaks.
“Bianca, say hello, don’t be rude,” Josh scolds.
She looks around, and I hate to admit that I miss her gaze on mine. I swivel my head, a glare sent his way as he clears his throat before I look back at her. She flushes in embarrassment, making me almost wince at the familiar expression. I realize no one except Josh has said something. I stay rooted in place as she raises her head. We lock eyes, and I almost smile as I see those familiar gold specks once again. And if only for a tortured moment, one I will later regret, Ibaskin it.
“Hi.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
BIANCA
Awhisper leaves his lips, forming the word, yet I can’t bring myself to say anything. After everything that happened these past couple of weeks, I assumed he wouldn’t come home for summer break. Yet, I was wrong, and I hate how my heart rejoices at that. It thinks he came for me.
Delusional as per usual.
I clear my throat and look around, seeing different emotions everywhere. Ana and William look like they’re holding their breaths, concern etching their faces. Mom looks as though she wants to step in, but doesn’t.
“Hi,” I say back.
I swear that his eyes soften slightly, but it’s probably my mind playing tricks on me. Microphone feedback fills the air and Josh closes his eyes in forgetfulness.
He mutters a soft curse. “Excuse me a moment.” He swings his gaze toward Mom and smiles almost bitterly. “Entertain our guests.” He speaks through clenched teeth as she nods before he whispers something. Her face flushes in what looks like embarrassment. Joshnods curtly before he walks off. A leggy blonde announces her appreciation for the attendance. Everyone claps softly, and I roll my eyes at the snobs that lawyers are. We all turn to the stage where she’s standing and Mom grabs my arm, linking hers with mine. A shadow comes to my other side and I try not to glance in his direction. There’s a crick in my neck, so I roll my shoulders and turn my head.
Our eyes find each other again; he looks like he came from a photo shoot. From his white button-up that brings out his tan skin, to the tattoos going up his neck, the silver rings on his fingers, and those gorgeous, emerald eyes.
Time has really done him well.
I snap my head forward as they continue the announcements. Seeing Olivia coming toward us, I excuse myself, knowing that the only reason she’s coming over here is because of Liam.
Mom beams. “Olivia! I wanna introduce you to some people.” I squeeze between attendees in search of the appetizer table, feeling the need to fill my stomach with something. Being that Josh was one of the head organizers, he was also in charge of the food, and very apparently so.
I can’t read half of the names, them being seemingly in French or something, and the waiter looks at me expectantly. My eyes scan the placards, and for a moment, I despise that I chose to learn Spanish in high school. I think I see salmon, and a queasiness is already bubbling in my stomach.
Halfway through middle school, and after a terrible incident on a field trip where we went to a seafood boil place, I discovered that I hated it. Salmon, shrimp, crab—the lot of it. Any type, all freaking types, it makes me want to throw up.
“Miss?”
I glance up as he holds out the plate and I give him a sheepish smile.
