We discussed this on the way here. He wants me to come up for the weekend for dinner with his label and to help him pack up some things at his house since he’s moving back to Grandeur permanently. I really want to go but I don’t want to leave his mom or Caroline.
“I’ll think about it.”
He nods, clasping my hand with his. “You’re coming. So make plans.”
Ignoring his demand, I kiss him once more. “Have a safe flight.”
“Stubborn woman.” He finally releases my hand. “I love you,” he nearly shouts as he makes his way past the gate. He’s walking backward, an adorable grin smothering his handsome face.
“Love you, too,” I mouth.
I stay rooted to my spot until he’s out of sight. Sucking back a deep breath, I mentally prepare myself for the days ahead. I’m going to need to keep myself extra busy so I don’t think about this deep ache in my chest.
I almost make it back home when my cell begins ringing from the console. I smile, thinking it’s Linc but it’s not, it’s Dani.
My smile falters as I think about our last encounter.
“Hello?” I answer, hesitation thick in my voice.
“Hey, Sylvie.”
“Hey.”
“How are you?”
“Good. How are you?”
“I’m okay.”
Painful, awkward silence fills the line, making me feel uncomfortable. Dani and I have always kept it civil, but there is an underlying truth that she’s never really liked me. I was never good enough for her brother and she made that clear more than once while we were married.
It was my fault I got pregnant.
My fault he turned to drugs.
And we all know she blames me for his death.
“What’s up, Dani?” I try to keep my voice calm when inside I’m anything but. She always puts me on edge, and I’m eager to get to the reason for her call.
“I wanted to apologize,” she says quietly.
I can hear the sincerity in her voice but I’m still on guard. Manipulation is her game and I’m not playing.
“It’s just…it’s hard to see you with anyone other than Dean.”
“Dani, you know Linc and I have been friends for a long time.”
“Yeah, and I also know how my brother felt about him.”
I bite my tongue to refrain from snapping at her. I know she’s still hurting. Dani and Dean were really close and he confided in her a lot during our marriage. But she’ll never know what it was like to be married to him. She’ll never understand the hell he put me through and how hard I fought to save him. And she’ll damn sure never understand my relationship with Linc.
No one will.
“Thank you for your apology,” I say.
“I was wondering if Caroline could come spend the night this weekend?”
I tense, feeling uneasy. “Dani, you’re more than welcome to come to the house and visit but I don’t think it’s a good idea for her to come spend the night.”
