Remy is back from the drink run, grinning like he can see inside my head.
“You’re staring,” he says, handing me the lemonade.
“Shut up.” I take it and drain the paper cup in one long gulp.
“Breathing will help.” He pats my shoulder. “Just a suggestion.”
“I’m breathing just fine.”
“Could’ve fooled me.” His grin widens. “You gonna go talk to her or what?”
“Remy.”
“If you don’t, a smarter dude will make a move.” My brother nudges me toward the gate.
“It’s not like that?—”
“It’s exactly like that.” He crosses his arms, expression turning serious. “I’ve got the zoo. And whatever else you’ve been doing all day. Go talk to her. Don’t be an idiot.”
My boots are rooted to the ground.
Remy’s voice drops, losing the teasing edge. “You’ve been miserable for six years. That woman has made you look alive for the first time in forever. Don’t fuck it up by standing here like a scarecrow.”
“Do you ever shut up?”
Remy flashes me his cockiest smile and steps forward. “If you’re not interested, I’ll go.”
I know he’s baiting me, but I yank him back by the collar of his shirt, anyway. “Don’t test me, Remy.”
“Dad!” Rhys barrels into me at full speed as I’m still wrestling his uncle. My son tugs at my right sleeve, his face flushed, eyes bright with excitement. “Dad, Dad, Dad!”
“What?” I let my brother go.
“Miss Rose is here!” He bounces on his toes. “Come say hi! She’s here, Dad!”
“I see her, buddy?—”
But Rhys is already dragging me forward, his small hand gripping mine with surprising strength and even more determination. I let him pull me along, relieved I have at least an excuse to approach. But I’m still nervous.
Terrified, actually.
Of a woman in a frilly dress.
We cross the distance faster than I’d like. Faye is still chatting with Rebecca and a few other women—Lila Callaway, Alejandra Flores, and Aurora Marino.
As we get close, Rhys lets go of my hand and launches himself at Faye.
“Miss Rose!”
She turns in time to catch him. Her face lights up, that smile I’ve been chasing appearing like the sun breaking through clouds.
“Rhys! Hi, sweetheart!” She hugs him tight, and he squeezes back with the unselfconscious enthusiasm of a kid who hasn’t learned to be guarded yet.
I hover by, uncertain, watching them.
But today, Faye’s smile doesn’t fade when she looks up and sees me. If anything, it gets brighter.
“Hi,” she says.
