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“Good. Because everyone else is. I’ve logged out of all my social media profiles. Sent my calls to voicemail. I don’t want to hear everyone’s opinions on what I should have done or how I could have avoided this. I know I fucked up already. I feel awful for hurting David. But… I can’t go and stand at that altar.”
“Okay.” He nods in true Gabe fashion. He’s always been there to support me. No matter what.
“Okay?”
“You’re gonna owe her that mac and cheese. She’s obsessed with it. It’s all she talks about when I ask her what she wants for dinner.” He changes the subject.
“I mean, it sounds amazing. But if she’s gone tonight… tacos and margaritas? Maybe a movie marathon?”
“Tacos and margaritas it is. We can talk about the movie marathon. Depends on what you’re picking.” He smiles as he goes to put his stuff in the sink.
“I’ll let you pick.”
“Oof. Now I am worried about you.” He laughs, and I poke him in the side as he walks by. “You gonna be okay alone here today?”
“Of course. I have TV. I can take a run. Maybe take a long nap. Whatever gets my mind off things for a while.”
“All right. Sounds like a plan.” Gabe nods and then disappears down the hall to get ready to head in for his morning workout.
CHAPTERTHREE
Aurora
That evening Gin’s friend, Amelia, has come to pick her up while Gabe and I are making our taco dinner.
“You’ve got to meet Aunt Aurora. She’s the literal best.” Gin grabs Amelia’s hand and brings her into the house. A woman I assume is Amelia’s mom trails behind them holding a crockpot and looking a tad confused. She’s picture-perfect. Gorgeous blonde hair in a neat updo, clothes I can tell are from somewhere where the price tag starts at three digits, and a purse that I’d eyed online more than once that would cost most of my savings.
It makes sense though. Gabe sends Gin to a private prep school with an amazing athletic program and an even better curriculum. It costs a small fortune and it means Gin is surrounded by other students whose parents are athletes, tech moguls, and entrepreneurs—all of them with more money than the next.
“Gabe?” Amelia’s mother asks, looking around.
Her eyes and her steps stutter when they land on me in the kitchen.
“Aunt Aurora. This is Amelia. She’s the striker on our team and the best player we have. She also happens to be the absolute best bestie ever,” Gin introduces her.
“Nice to meet you, Amelia.” I wipe my hand on the towel and hold it out for her.
Her face turns serious, and she takes my hand to shake it. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“Good things I hope.” I smile at her.
“Mostly.” They both collapse into conspiratorial giggles.
“Hi… I’m Amelia’s mom.” The blonde woman eyes me carefully, studying the mess on the kitchen counter and my appearance.
“Ms. Stuart this is Aunt Aurora.”
“I’m a friend of Gabe’s. Staying here for a bit.” I offer my hand.
“Evelyn.” She eyes me subtly again as she shakes my hand and then sits the crockpot on the counter like it’s a familiar routine for her. “Is Gabe around?”
“Yeah. He just went to get something out of the fridge in the garage. Do you want me to plug that in?”
She glances down at it and then back up at me. Her eyes land on where I’m chopping tomatoes.
“Yes. Or at least, it would. I don’t know if you’re cooking that it makes sense to leave it. I just… I usually bring him something homecooked when the girls have a sleepover. I didn’t realize he had company.”
“Of course. I’m sure he’ll love it. What temp?” I can tell I’m in the middle of something unspoken between them.
