“You feeling okay though?”
“I’m having the best night of my life. Do not worry about me. You focus on having fun, because we’re going to talk about this the rest of our lives.”
“Yeah, no pressure.” I snorted. I smoothed my outfit down and adjusted my hair. I looked okay. A little sad, but I was working on that. I could channel all my energy into preparing for the summer youth program and starting at the junior high next fall.
“Look at me, sis.”
Her words warmed me. She would officially be my sister-in-law, but she always felt like more than that.
“Men can be idiots. They mean well, but it takes them longer to do things. We love them for it, but Hayden is having a dumbass moment. I can feel it in my bones.”
“Could be true, but he broke my heart.” I glanced at the ground. “He’s always pushed me away, then drew me back in. I don’t know if I can survive that again.”
Penny hugged me hard, her arms digging into my back to the point that I winced. I couldn’t break the hug though. She was intense and got what she wanted.
“We’re going back out there, and I’m getting you a drink. I need your speech to be incredible tonight.”
“It is. Don’t worry.” I laughed at the wild look in her eye. “Hey, please don’t tell Christian. I kept this from him intentionally because I don’t want him being angry at Hayden. Hayden needs his best friend right now.”
“You’re too good for this world, babe. Too damn good.” Penny held the door open and ushered me through. She smacked my butt and said, “Only smiles around him. Make him weep.”
I laughed and had to admit that she made me feel a little bit better. Penny was awesome and loved everyone with her whole heart.
Guests trickled in the main door as jazzy, instrumental Christmas songs played on the speaker. If Hayden approached me, I could handle it.
But first, I needed a peppermint drink, which meant stopping at the bar pronto. The bartender was helpinganother guest, some older woman that I didn’t know, before approaching me. I ordered something minty.
“Could you make two of those, please?” a familiar, deep voice said behind me.
Goose bumps broke out over my skin.Hayden.
My dress felt too tight, and my mouth dried up. What would I say to him? Talk about the weather?Oh, it’s so cold outside, does your chest hurt every time you breathe?Sure. Super normal.
He clearly was doing fine, where I was a mess.
“Charlotte.”
He used his sexy, slow drawl. I bit the inside of my cheek before facing him. He leaned one elbow on the bar, his other hand resting at his side. He smelled so damn good, and those glasses were making my knees weak.
I arched a brow. “Hey.”
“You look beautiful.” His gaze roamed up and down my body. “Incredible, actually.”
“Thanks.” I provided a tight-lipped smile, proud of myself for holding it together. “You look fine too.”
“Fine?” His lips quirked. “Stop, you’re being too kind.”
I hated that he was funny and teasing. I hated that he looked at me with warmth in his eyes. I gripped the bar and took a breath. “What do you want?”
“Baby, don’t—”
“Don’t you darebabyme.” I glared at him as I whispered. “You broke my heart. The pieces aren’t back together.”
“Could we talk? Just for a moment? Please?”
He looked upset, but that didn’t matter.Stay strong, Charlotte.
“No. You had all week to call me. I want to get through tonight without crying, Hayden. That’s it.” My eyes watered, and my voice shook. “I’m always going to care about you and Gwen, and I’m still planning on watching her in January until you find a nanny. Just… I need more time before we talk.”
