Rubbing the simple silver band with my right thumb, the texture smooth, despite the 11 inlay diamonds representing my lucky number and our wedding date, I don’t know what it would feel like without it on that finger.
“I will think about it.”
“Also, friendly tip.Stay on the bottom so any loose skin pools to the side and behind you.”
“Oh, I am doing it with the lights way off, thank you very much!”
Jill cackles, then has a pensive moment.Shaking her head.
“What was that for?”
“I saw how you both were looking at each other the last few days and didn’t peg it.”
“We weren’t looking at each other any differently than we always have.”
“No, you definitely were.I’ve seen you both around each other for the last twenty years.It’s always been friendship looks.It’s why I never even thought about you both together.But the last few days, I actually thought you both were getting annoyed at each other.Spending too much time together.But it was right in front of me the whole time!”
“So you thought we looked annoyed at each other?”
“I’m married.Annoyed.In love.Same thing.”
“Do not start your matchmaking business anytime soon, please.”
18
Koby
Closingthedoorbehindme, I pause.My eyes unfocused, but the shimmer of the sparkly wreath hanging on Rayna’s front door is dazzling.Every moment between us is charged.The smile she shot back at me warmed my heart.I’m still smiling at the thought.
“So how long have you and Rayna been together?”Aria asks from behind me, bemusement coating every word.
“Sorry?”My attention broken from the wreath as I step back and meet Aria’s smug look.
“Don’t be sorry.But don’t think no one can see.You both have had the goofiest looks on your faces since I got here.I think it’s great!”
Sheepishly, I shrug and follow after Aria to the garage.
Talking over Rayna’s car.“Do you really think it’s great?Not too soon?”
“Are you asking me if you think that both of you being single for over a decade and finally being together is too soon?”
“Guess when you put it like that,” I concede, stepping into Rayna’s car.
“Honestly, Dad.I think it's an excellent thing.You both have so much history together.It makes sense.I’m so happy for the both of you.”
“Thanks, sweetpea.It means a lot to me that you are okay with everything.”
“Of course.”
“But maybe don’t mention anything to your mum or anyone back at the house?I think Rayna wants to keep things quiet.I’m sure she hasn’t told Louie yet.”
“Oh, he’ll be fine with it.He’s twenty-five years old.I’m sure he has more things to worry about than his mumsy and her best friend being an item.”
I can’t help but laugh.She’s right.It’s not like Louie is a child anymore, and I’m sure he would handle the news fine.But I’d definitely leave it up to Rayna and what she is comfortable with.
“I won’t say anything.I love Rayna.Plus, it’s not my news to share.”
“Thanks,” I reply.
