I didn’t even realize my teacup had fallen out of my hands until it smashed into a million tiny pieces on the floor.
“Are you okay?” Penny asked as she rushed over.
“Who is that?” I pointed toward the woman with dark hair in the picture. Matt’s arm was slung around her shoulders. It was from James and Penny’s wedding day. And the woman was clearly one of Penny’s bridesmaids. They were friends? I felt my heart pounding in my chest. Was Matt dating her too? James had just told me that Kennedy was the first woman that Matt had dated since me. It certainly looked like he was dating this woman.
“That’s James’ sister. Jen.”
That’s why she looked so familiar that day. She had the same dark eyes as her brother. The same sharp features.
“Do you know her?” Penny asked.
I looked over at James. “That’s who Matt was having sex with. In the pool.”
James groaned. “Ugh, please don’t tell me that.”
“You didn’t know?”
“No, I knew they hooked up a few times. But I didn’t ask for details.”
Just a few times.Why was I relieved? My stomach twisted into knots. I wasn’t allowed to be relieved. I wanted him to be happy. I did. Matt was allowed to date whoever he wanted. But my stomach just kept twisting.
“An emotionless brick wall,” Penny said.
“What?” I asked.
“Jen said it was like having sex with an emotionless brick wall.”
“Seriously, guys, stop,” James said.
But a small part of me wanted Penny to keep going. So having sex with Matt was like having sex with an emotionless brick wall? That was definitely not how I remembered it.
“It’s because he was still in love with you,” Penny said. “He wasn’t giving his heart to anyone else.”
I nodded. I wasn’t even sure why I was so emotional right now. It just suddenly felt like my whole life was a lie. There was a lump in my throat that wouldn’t go away.
There were tears in Penny’s eyes. James reached out for her and she wrapped her arms around him.
I hadn’t meant to upset anyone. This was why I’d stayed gone. Part of the reason. A fear that I’d upset everyone. But I’d also been terrified that no one would care at all.
“This sandwich is top notch, Ellen,” said a voice from the kitchen.
No, not just any voice. Oh my God.
Rob appeared in the doorway eating a PB&J sandwich. “This really hits the spot. Hey guys, what’s up?” He popped the rest of the sandwich in his mouth. “Shit, Penny, are you okay?” He finally followed her gaze and his eyes landed on me.
He didn’t look as shocked as James did. A huge smile instantly spread across his face. “Sanders? Is that you?”
I smiled. God, I’d missed the way he said my name. I nodded. I couldn’t help the tears that leaked down my cheeks.
“Sanders!” He ran over to me and lifted me into his arms. He twirled me around and I couldn’t help but laugh.
He finally set me down on my feet.
“I can’t believe it.” He looked back over at James and Penny. “Matt’s going to freak. I was just with him for lunch. He almost came over. Wait.” He looked back at me. “Sanders, what the fuck? How are you here? How are you? What the hell is even happening?”
Just then Jacob ran into the room followed quickly by Scarlett to chase the ball they’d just kicked in. And they were both butt naked.
Oh no.
