Ranialooks me up and down, and I return the gesture. She's picture perfect; my mother will be pleased. Her platinum hair falls around her face in a cascade of curls. Her big blue eyes, a lighter shade thanmine, glitter with contempt. She wears a light blue satiny, sleeveless sheath that falls to her knees, and a pair of beaded Prada slingbacks. I draw myself to my full height, determined not to let her make me feel insecure.
"Nice hair,"Raniasays with false sincerity."Suits you."
"Thanks, I think so, too."I'm not taking the bait. As I stare at the two of them together, I feel nothing but a nagging sense of regret I ever wasted my time with thisass. I can't believe I ever thought being withCharliewould make me look desperate to these people. He's one-thousand times the manBrennanis and I'm an idiot for keeping him away.
"Well, the guests willstartarriving soon,"I say."I'm sure you'll want to finish getting ready."
Raniatouches her hair with a frown."We are ready."
"Oh. Okay, then."I flash a fake smile andwalkpast them to the house. I steal a look over my shoulder, whereRaniahas opened a compact and is inspecting herself, whileBrennanmurmurs reassurances. I turn back before they catch me and snicker. Score one for the goalie.
I sit on the back deck with a mimosa I swiped from one of the catering trays, watching as guests trickle in.RaniaandBrennanare somewhere in the house waiting for the cue for their big entrance.
The sliding door opens behind me and I'm pleasantly surprised it'sBoone,wearinga tan summer-weight sport coat over a light green open-necked dress shirt."There you are,"he says.
I raise my glass."Getting a headstart."
"Me, too."Heholdsup a similar glass."There's an entire tray back there. Should I grab it?"
Ilaugh."I think we'll get more in the tent."
"Speaking of,"he says, holding out his free hand."Your mother asked me to find you and escort you to your seat."
I roll my eyes, but take his hand and let him help me up."I guess it's time."
"How are you holding up?"His eyesholdcompassion, and I'm grateful, even though a big part of me wishesCharliewere here.
"Fine. It turns out, I'm not all that angry anymore. More annoyed."I had toldBooneabout thebreakup and Brennan's subsequent engagement."I'm looking forward to the mini crab cakes, but otherwise, I just want this over. Playoffs are this week and I'm already missing today'spractice."
We talk about the upcoming games as he escorts me to the tent. Before we enter to find our seats, he stops me andpullsa small box out of his pocket."I brought this for you. Saw it online and it made me think of you."
"You didn't have to,"I say. I open the box and find a red rope bracelet with a lacrossestickcharm holding two of the ends together."I love it!"
"The rope they used is what the string thestickheads with."He takes it out of the box and loosens the fastening. Istickout my hand and he slips it on, tightening it."I know you can't wear it during thegame, but I hope it'll bring you some luck."
"Thankyou. This is so thoughtful."I give him a hug andkisshim on the cheek.
"Maybe after theseasonis over and things aren't so crazy with the housing site, we can make some plans to see each other."
I bite mylipand look down at the bracelet."Maybe."
"Unless there's someone else?"heasks, a half smile on his lips.
I open my mouth, ready to protest, but all I can do is shrug."Maybe."
"Your friend,Charlie?"
I furrow my brow."How'd you guess?"
"That night I took you todinner, it was kind of obvious he was into you."
"Was it?"
"As obvious as it was you were into him."
I blush."It's complicated."
"It usually is,"Boonesighs.
