“I mean, I liked Carson, but you two were so unhappy. I don’t know if getting back together is a good idea.”
“Did I say anything about getting back together? I was talking about fucking.”
“Still not a good idea.”
The sigh that passes my lips could blow the door down. “I know. It’s okay. Don’t worry about me. I’m good. Carson and I are on the same page. We just have to get through the weekend and then when I sell the house, I’ll never have to see him again.”
“Okay. Good. Because you know, when you throw out the trash, you don’t go outside to see how it’s doing, right?”
I frown at her. “He’s not trash, Rachel.”
Her mouth works into a pucker. “I know. It’s a metaphor.”
“We better get back there. Nonna is probably here by now.”
“Probably. Come on.” She takes my arm and leads me out of the cottage.
Back at the pavilion, more family has arrived and I throw myself into greeting relatives with hugs and kisses and smiles. Carson finds me and slides an arm around my waist, smiling at me adoringly. It almost takes my knees out. “Legs all silky smooth now?” he asks near my ear.
“Uh. Yes.”
“Good to know.”
My belly swoops like a swallow snatching an insect out of mid-air.
Luckily, my two sisters arrive.
“Ayla!” they both cry, pouncing on me.
We hug and laugh. I admire Elisa’s new haircut and Bria’s scarf. Then they look at Carson. Their eyes could cut diamonds.
“Hello, Carson,” Elisa says. “So great to see you again.” Her tone of voice is absolutely saying the opposite.
He bites back a grin. “Likewise. And Bria. How are you?”
Her eyes narrow. “Why do you want to know?”
Awkward silence descends around us.
“Bria.” I give her a look.
She tosses her hair back. “I’m fine. And how are you, Carter?”
Carson laughs out loud. “Just happy to be here.”
“You two have to be nice to Carson,” I whisper to my sisters. “People think we’re still together.”
“This is so fucking weird,” Bria mutters.
My phone buzzes and I glance at it. “Oh! They’re here. Aunt Melissa just texted me. They’re going to drop Nonna off out front here, then go park.” I start to move away. Then I decide it’s probably safer not to leave Carson with my sisters, so I grab his arm and tow him along with me.
“Sorry about that,” I mutter. “They’re just being protective of me.”
“I know. I get it.”
Uncle Vince pulls up in his SUV and Aunt Melissa appears from the back door, meaning Nonna must be up front. Carson and I round the vehicle to open the door and help her.
“Hello, Nonna!” I beam at her. “You made it.”
