I dated him for two years, much longer than the two of them have been together. I will my voice not to crack. “Congrats.”
That’ll have to do because I can’t say anything else unless they want to hear me saycheaters.
Mom returns with the champagne and pops the cork. I nearly fly out of my seat from the sound. She fills the glasses and passes them out. “A toast. To Rachel and Jake, may your marriage be as perfect as you both are.”
As I raise my glass, a tear slips from my eye. I don’t want to cry, but I can’t help myself. I blink, hoping to keep from breaking down. I’m over Jake, but the whole situation feels like another slap to my face. I’m tired of it. Oh so tired.
John leans in close. “You okay?”
I shake my head.
“Want to get some air?” he asks, and I nod.
As we slip away from the table, Rachel’s voice chases after us. “Oh, Jakey, we simply must have a spring wedding.”
Standing in the hallway, I lean against the wall and exhale before I hyperventilate. John pulls me close.
“I’m sorry.” He brushes his mouth over my hair. “Having to see that must’ve been brutal.”
“You know what the worst part is? I’m not even upset about Jake. I’m upset because, once again, Rachel gets to have everything.”
The perfect proposal surrounded by her adoring family. The perfect ring, symbolic of the financial success she and Jake have both achieved. The perfect life. I want all of those things, too, especially a relationship where I feel seen and special in a way I’ve never had around my family.
John pulls back slightly, cupping my face with his hand. “Rachel might have the spotlight, but you shine brighter than she ever could.”
His thoughtful words break something loose inside me. The years of pent-up emotions over not being enough for my parents finally spill over and my tears flow. John holds me, rubbing soothing circles on my back as I sob into his shirt.
As I calm down, I pull back, wiping my eyes. “Oh no. I’ve ruined your shirt.”
John grins, his eyes twinkling. “Please. If anything, my shirt has been elevated by your tears. It’s now a designer piece: Eau de Abby, très chic.”
I laugh, and the weight on my chest eases. John tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.
It’s all I can do not to throw myself into his arms. I don’t want to go back into the dining room. I’m not sure I can without losing it again. “I wish we could get out of here.”
“Me too, but the blizzard.” Then John’s face lights up. “We could make a daring escape to your room.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You think?”
He nods. “We can pretend we’re alone and anywhere but here.”
I’m tempted to laugh, but I realize how appealing that sounds. “Can we stay up there? I can’t face another minute of the happy couple.”
John’s expression softens. “Whatever you want. Go up now. I’ll tell your parents you have a headache.”
Warmth settles in the center of my chest. Somehow, this guy has become my rock tonight. “Thank you. For…everything.”
He winks. “Anytime.”
Funny, but John sounds sincere. Being snowed in isn’t so bad with the right person by your side. Whoever thought my right person would be my boss?
CHAPTER SEVEN
John
As Abby heads upstairs, worry gnaws at me. I want to make things better for her, but I doubt anything I say will change the way her family treats her. I also don’t know what to do about it without causing a scene or making things worse, which makes me feel useless. The one thing I can do is tell them she’s gone to bed.
I return to the dining room, unsure if I’ll be able to smile after what I’ve seen tonight.
