Claire pats his hand. “You don’t complain. You grumble. It’s different.”
“Is it?” I tease.
Rhys hears that and shoots Claire a mock glare. “Is this a women against men situation?”
“Absolutely.” Claire sips her wine. “And let me present the grumbly men’s club. You’re both the founding members.”
Paul raises his glass. “Finally, the recognition we deserve.”
Dr. Lin joins us, having overheard Claire. “Rhys has always been stubborn, even as a resident. Glad to know marriage hasn’t changed that.”
“Oh, it has,” I say lightly. “Now, he’s stubborn with better communication skills.”
Claire laughs. “Growth. We psychologists love to see it.”
“Jayne’s good for me.” He slides his arm around my shoulder. “She’s the reason I have any redeemable qualities.”
Warmth blooms in my chest at his admission, at his compliment.
Paul clinks his wine glass to mine. “And we’re grateful, Jayne. He’s tolerable now.”
“You all misunderstand,” Rhys says, with exaggerated dignity. “I’mextradelightful because of Jayne.”
I lean in, brushing my shoulder against his. “He actually is. Don’t tell him I said that.”
Claire grins. “We heard nothing.”
Dr. Lin’s teenage kids, recruited to play waiters, walk around serving appetizers as conversation shifts from work to kids to the best hiking trails. The night hums with soft music and summer air.
After a while, Claire turns to me. “By the way, congratulations on your promotion. It completely slipped. Rhys has been showing off. My wife, the COO this and COO that.”
That feels damn good to hear. “It’s busy, but exciting. I like the work.”
Rhys meets my eyes. “She’s brilliant. I love watching her work.”
Paul whistles. “Someone’s getting laid tonight.”
Claire elbows him. “Paul.”
“What? That was romantic!” He looks at Rhys. “Good job, man.”
Rhys groans. “I’m sorry, Jayne, Paul has no filter.”
“Paul speaks the truth,” Paul insists.
The dinner is buffet-style, and we cluster into groups.
I see Tory…well, I’ve been keeping an eye out for her. She’s with some of the other administrators, and she hasn’t dared come near us. I’m glad, but maybe slightly disappointed. I want to show off to her how good Rhys and I are.
I feel foolish thinking this because I wove a situation in my head that didn’t exist. Rhys didn’t help with his need to poke at me, but I also blew it out of proportion. The good news is that neither of us will ever vent to others, not before we’re honest with each other.
Claire leans in as the plates are cleared. “You two look good. Strong.”
I glance at Rhys, who is talking to Paul. “We are. Claire, I know you’ve been talking to him. Thank you.”
Claire squeezes my hand. “You both did the work.”
At some point, I excuse myself to the restroom inside. When I come out, I catch voices.
