[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]
.Then, after she spilled her guts out, they would goget ice cream and she would dangle her feet off the back of the truck just her, her mom, and her dadagainst the world.She d never felt as alone as she did now.And she missed her brother.The doors opened and she scanned the dining room.Tyler wasn t there, but her girls were.Sheplastered a smile on her face and made her way over to them.As she seated herself between Reganand Julie, she picked up the cloth napkin and placed it in her lap. Hey guys, she said, trying to sound cheery and alert.Regan looked at her, her gaze scanning her in the way that only Regan s could.She had a way oflooking at someone and knowing that something was up and she usually figured out what thatsomething was far too easily, too.But today she didn t look quite as together as she normally did. She had her hair pulled in a loose ponytail and wasn t wearing any makeup.Christine tried to think ofthe last time she d seen Regan out and about without makeup on.She couldn t even remember. You okay? she asked Regan.Regan waved a hand. I m fine.Let s talk about you.What happened with you and Tyler last night?Spill your guts. She didn t even pretend to not know what Regan was talking about. He thinks I was playing him, Christine said, her voice low. And now he hates me. You can fix it, Julie said, leaning forward and closing her hand over Christine s.WhereasChristine felt like pure shit, Julie radiated something that looked like pure happiness.In fact, she dnever looked better.No doubt because of her association with Reed.Good for her. There s nothingthat can t be undone if you explain your reasons. I m not so sure about that, Christine said, swallowing hard. But I think I m going to try anyway,even though it s hopeless. What are you going to do? Regan asked, leaning over and grabbing the carafe of coffee.Shepoured Christine a cup and handed her two creamers and a pack of sugar. What will you say tohim? I don t know yet, she admitted.When she fumbled with the creamer lid, Regan took it from her and poured it in.At the same time,Julie opened the sugar and dumped it in Christine s cup before stirring it. Drink.It ll help, Juliesaid.Christine picked up the cup and inhaled the aroma. I have no idea what to say, honestly.The truth,I guess? All of it. Do you love him? Regan asked, her voice uncharacteristically soft.She liked to present herselfas hard and tough as balls which she was but she had a squishy chocolate center she didn t let alot of people see. Do you want to be with him? I& I think I always have, even if I didn t know it. Tell him, Regan said, shrugging. Simple enough, right? The waitress came up with her pad. What can I get you girls? Waffles, Regan said, closing her menu. Me, too, Julie said, doing the same. Make that three. The waitress smiled and took their menus. I ll put that in right away. As soon as she was gone, Christine blurted out, He was going to move to be with me.ToColorado. Regan s eyes went wide. Oh boy. Wait just a gosh darn second. Julie frowned at Christine. Start at the beginning. Christine took a deep breath and proceeded to tell them everything.From Mexico, to the first nightat the wedding, to the woods, and finally ending with the dance they d shared last night.By the timeshe was finished, she felt even more drained, and yet somehow more energetic. & So, yeah.Now Ineed to figure out how to fix it. Fixing it should be easy enough to do, Regan said, pouring a second cup of coffee. I ve seenhim.He loves you, too. No, he doesn t.He didn t say anything about love. Christine looked from Regan to Julie. If heloved me, he would have said it, right? Julie shook her head. Sweetie, around you, the man doesn t know whether to check his behind orscratch his watch. Her heart stuttered. Really? Really, Julie said, grinning. When the wedding shenanigans are over, you ll be good to go. Well, uh, about that. Christine nibbled on her lower lip.Reagan nodded and gave her anencouraging smile, and reached out to squeeze her hand. There s something I haven t told everyoneyet. What? Julie asked, leaning forward on her elbows. What didn t you tell us? I m moving. Regan rolled her eyes. Everyone knows that.Tell her where. I m moving back to Maine, Christine said in a rush, holding her breath as she waited for Julie toexplode. What? Julie shrieked. Since when? She turned to Regan. Wait, did you know about this? Regan leaned back in her chair and smiled, as calm as a cat basking in the sun. She told me since,well, I m a headhunter.I helped her find her new job. Why didn t you tell me? Julie asked. You re supposed to tell me everything. I was going to. Christine grabbed her hand and squeezed. I wanted to, but I know how busyyou ve been with the wedding.I didn t want to give you more to think about. I wouldn t have minded! Julie said, hugging her tight. Why are you moving? Well, for one& it felt like it was time to move on.All this time, I ve kind of clung to Kady as mysecurity blanket, in a way.When she moved to Boulder, I did, too even though it wasn t with her.But now she s getting married. Christine shrugged. It s time for me to be on my own. So you re not going to move in with your brother? Julie asked. No.Not at all.I m going to be in my own place. You need it after your roommate from hell, Regan said. Seriously. She dropped her face into her hands
[ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]