At six forty, I was still searching for my shoes. I listened for the doorbell, knowing Christopher could arrive any second. He knew I’d be running late, but I wasn’t quite ready. I was nervous about seeing Dad and Meghan in person. It had been a long time for me and I hoped I wouldn’t make a fool of myself. Maybe they’d be too busy with their guests to talk much and would believe the laryngitis story. I didn’t enjoy lying to them, but I didn’t see how I could tell the truth.
“Maybe I should cancel?” I was alone and spoke aloud.
There was a knock at the door, and I jumped. Had Christopher heard me?
I opened the door to find Christopher wearing dark jeans and a pale blue collared shirt that matched his eyes. My heart fluttered. They’d think he was my date—except he was out of my league. He was even too beautiful to be my friend.
“No canceling.”
He didn’t make a big deal that he’d heard my voice, but he must have.
I shrugged and wondered if I’d have to explain, but before I got a chance, he whistled. I smiled at his reaction. I’d worn the red dress again. I’d told myself it was too nice a dress not to wear, and I remembered his eyes from the elevator the other time I’d worn it.
“Any word from Brandon?”
I shook my head. My newly curled hair swayed above my shoulders with the movement.
“His loss,” he said. “You look gorgeous. We should go. We’re going to be late.”
I’d worried about being too dressed up, but the look in Christopher’s eyes made my efforts worthwhile.
“They probably told me the wrong time,”I said, grabbing my purse.
He laughed. “I like your family already.” He reached inside and flicked on the porch light with a smile. For once, I wouldn’t be returning to a dark doorstep.
I sent him the address and took a deep breath as we pulled away. He was a skilful driver, alert and confident.
Christopher couldn’t look at his phone when he drove, so I couldn’t talk to him, but he did the talking for both of us. I’d never met a man who was so chatty.
We parked near the house, and I had a moment of trepidation. My stomach churned, and I was tempted to call the whole thing off, but Meghan would be disappointed. Years ago, I made a mistake at this engagement party. I’d broken my rule and tried to drink my heartbreak over Brandon away. Tonight, I wouldn’t do that. I knew where it led. This was my chance to be better and not make the same mistakes.
I stood on the wet sidewalk staring at the house I hadn’t seen in over two years when a red corvette parked behind us. The world tilted and my stomach dropped to the ground. I’d forgotten I’d have to deal with Eric. Here. Now. He stepped out of his car. I’d have to face him. I froze and Christopher looked back.
“Hey, you okay? I’ll let them know about your laryngitis and we’ll get you some tea.”
I shook my head. I wanted to vomit. This was too much. What was I doing here?
Christopher walked back to stand beside me and followed my gaze to the new arrival. “Who’s that?”
He kept his voice quiet, but his eyes were hard as granite as he watched Eric approach. Menacing, dark clouds drifted closer and a drop of rain landed on my hand.
“You here for the engagement party, too?” Eric stopped beside us.
His eyes raked over me, but he addressed his remarks to Christopher.
Christopher took my hand possessively, and I squeezed. In this time, I hadn’t met Eric. He didn’t know me. In this world, I didn’t have scars, and I hadn’t gotten him killed. I tried not to picture him bloody, green eyes staring and vacant, slumped over the airbag. Lifeless.
“You must be Eric.” Christopher didn’t release my hand. He was smart, and he’d figured out who this was from my reaction.
“Oh, you’ve heard of me.” Eric’s chest puffed up.
“Andrew mentioned your car,” said Christopher.
Eric laughed. The sound grated down my spine. “That’s right, he’s jealous. Now that he’s tying the knot, he’ll never get a sports car. Next thing we know, he’ll trade in his SUV for a minivan. I didn’t catch your names?”
“Sorry, I’m Christopher and this is Elizabeth.”
“That’s right, the sister,” said Eric. “I’ve heard of you. You study bones or something.”
