Christopher didn’t release my hand to shake Eric’s.
I was grateful for the support, and I didn’t want Eric thinking I was available. I wanted him to be uninterested. I planned to avoid Eric all night.
“You two going in?” said Eric as he passed. “Your girl’s cold.”
He acted like he saw through my dress. He smirked as he headed toward the house.
“In a minute,” said Christopher, “I’m waiting for a call.”
Christopher hadn’t made his usual polite small talk.
Christopher waited for Eric to be gone, and he put his arm around me. “You’re shaking. You didn’t mention your future husband would be here. I don’t like how that asshole looked at you.”
“I tried so hard not to think about it, I almost forgot. He’ll NEVER be my husband now.”Relief swept over me to say it, even in print. Did that mean I wasn’t a murderer?
“An accident isn’t murder,” said Christopher.
Had I said it out loud? I shot him a look. I kept forgetting to ask questions about why he knew so much, but I didn’t have time to ponder as Christopher’s smile dazzled me.
“Imagine me as your bodyguard tonight. I’ll be attentive and practice being a suitable date for all those future hot chicks.”
I was supposed to laugh but couldn’t. Despite my sweater, I was freezing. I took his warm hand again.
“Your sister is going to get the wrong impression if we’re holding hands.”
An electric current shot up my arm as his thumb rubbed the back of my hand. He could have let go, but instead, laced his fingers together with mine.
I could deal with my sister later, butI owed Christopher an explanation. The boyfriend act would do me a gigantic favor.
“Last time Eric and I hooked up here, at the party.”My face burned, and I kept my eyes downcast, studying the sidewalk. The details had always been fuzzy and the night an alcohol-induced blur.
I’d had sex with him in my childhood bedroom and agreed to a date so it wouldn’t be a one-night stand. The next day, Eric had called and asked me out. He’d been on his best behavior for months. We were married less than six months later. It fit the adage: marry in haste, repent at leisure. His ugly side stayed hidden until after our whirlwind romance.
Eric was the biggest regret of my life.
“I’m not judging,” Christopher said. “I’ve done my share of stupid things. If you want me to run interference, I’ll keep him away.”
Meghan’s arrival interrupted us. “Elizabeth, here you are. Eric said he’d met you outside. You’re still almost late, even though I gave you the wrong time.”
She was so close. I stepped out of Christopher’s protective circle and ran the last few steps to my sister and threw myself at her, catching her in a hug. I squeezed harder than I meant to. I’d missed her for too long.
She laughed. “Don’t squish me to death.”
I let go and stepped back, drinking in the sight of her tousled black curls and her expressive dark eyes. As usual, she wore bright colors. Her summer dress was orange, purple, and red flowers. Before my silence got awkward, Christopher stepped forward.
“I’m Christopher. We met on the phone.” He shook her hand. “Your sister has laryngitis, or she’d be thanking you for letting me invite myself. She didn’t want to come alone since she and my brother are taking a break.”
“Laryngitis? It’s not contagious, is it?” She spoke to me. “Did you break up with Brandon, or did he break up with you? He’s an idiot if he lets you get away.”
I shook my head. I lifted my phone for her to read.“Stress-related. Dr. says give it time, not to strain my voice. Brandon ghosted me. I work with Christopher, have known him for years.”That should be a lot of detail to make her happy.
“Well, let’s go make you a hot tea.” She turned to Christopher with questions in her eyes. I would have to explain. “Come meet everyone.”
Meghan’s eyes flickered as Christopher took my hand again, but she said nothing as we followed her to the house.
“Dad’s been worried. I guess this is why you blew us off for dinner on Sunday and haven’t called back. You could have at least texted.”
I nodded and bit my lip. She was right.
