It’s annoying that I didn’t see that woman until I pretty much knocked her to the ground. It’s been a bad eye day. The doctor warned I would get them. Especially when I’m tired from traveling or if I’ve been overdoing things, both of which are true right now.
It’s only the second time I’ve been affected enough for me not to see what’s next to me, though. The first time was in Rome, when I was almost run over by a cab I had no clue was in the road.
At least this one was less life threatening. Even if the feel of her warm, soft skin is still seared into mine.
Along with the memory of her red hair, tumbling over her shoulders, a contrast to her pale skin and the deep blue of her dress.
Fuck, she’s pretty. Even with the breaks in my vision I could see that. I could smell her, too, all high notes and pretty flowers.
When your sight starts to go, your other senses will heighten.
I blink that thought away, because I’m so not ready for that yet.
I’m not ready to be here, truth be told. On the island I grew up on, with nearly all of my family surrounding me. Not for the reasons I’m here, anyway.
Because if the harbinger of fucking doom wore linen trousers and white shirts, he’d look remarkably like me right now.
“Oh my God, I thought you said you couldn’t make it.”
I hear Eden’s squeal come from the right of me. She runs over to where I’m standing, in front of a seascape I barely noticed, which really isn’t like me at all.
I turn just in time for my youngest sister to crash into me, arms around my waist. The champagne I just picked up sloshes dangerously close to my shirt.
I smile down at Eden, taking her in. She’s beaming widely, her hair pulled back to reveal the sculpted cheekbones that we both inherited from our mom. And when she reaches up to touch my face, I see the glint of the huge diamond engagement ring and wedding ring that West gave her.
“Yeah well, I thought I’d drop by,” I tell her. “I finished up some work and have some free time.”
She leans back, studying my face. Her brows pulled tight. “You look exhausted,” she tells me.
I don’t tell her that weeks of tests and a possible prognosis that could ruin everybody’s lives has that effect.
But this is her night. Hers and West’s. There’s no way I’m spoiling it.
“Thanks,” I say, deadpan. “Honestly, I was hoping for handsome. Or at least not shit.”
She snorts. “Shut up, you could never look like shit.” Her gaze flicks over me. “How long are you here for?” There’s a hopeful tone in her voice. The same one that I got from Autumn on my way in.
“I don’t know.” I shrug, because it is easier than admitting the truth. And I don’t want to commit to a timeframe I can’t see through. “Thought I might stick around for a bit.”
Long enough for me to decide how to break the news to them.
Her eyes widen. “Seriously? I thought you hated this place.” But her grin widens. God, I hate the look of hope on her face.
“I do.” I lift my glass and take a sip. “But you’re here. And Hudson and Autumn keep producing babies at an alarming rate.”
She laughs, then hugs me again, tighter this time. I know that hug. It says more than she could with words.Family growing. Time passing. Me watching it all from a distance.
While I can see it.
“That’s amazing,” she says. “How long do you think you’ll actually stay?”
“I’ve got something scheduled in September,” I tell her. It’s a lie but she doesn’t need to know that. “So until then, maybe.”
She nods, accepting the answer for what it is. “Oh! You have to meet Sadie,” she says, turning slightly and gesturing to the artwork behind me. “She runs the new gallery on the island. She helped source the paintings for the resort. Isn’t this one nice?”
I take a breath. Choose my words. Fail. “Very nice.” The truth is I can barely see it. It’s darker in here, and that makes it more difficult. But from one glance I can tell it’s run of the mill. I’m assuming it’s Autumn’s choice. As an interior designer she tends to pick art to complement her designs. Which is completely the wrong way. You choose the art then design the rooms around it. That’s my opinion anyway.
And another reason why Autumn and I sometimes clash.
