“No, it’s good.” I focus on her. “Very good. Just spicy.” That much is true.
“Then it’s perfect.” She drops the ladle. “We’re all done.”
I look up and Chance is gone, just Baxter is left. His eyes carry a look I can’t decipher.
Thankfully, Aunt Felicia gets in the way of whatever that is.
“Set the table, Baxter.” She takes off her apron. “Lucy and I will go get ready.”
They both leave and then I’m alone with Baxter.
I don’t like the look he’s giving me. “I can help set the table.”
I start to pick up the stacked dishes but Baxter catches my hands. His bigger ones swallow mine, warm and solid.
“Maddie.”
I meet his gaze. “What?”
He frowns. “Is something wrong?”
I shake my head. “No, why would you ask that?”
“Just an energy between you and Chance. Did something happen?” He glances at the door.
“No.”
“Did he hurt you? I can beat his bossy ass up.”
“God, no.” I press a hand to my face. “He wouldn’t do that.”
“I know.” He smiles. “Just want to be sure.”
I smile as big as I can to assure him. “I swear. I’m fine.”
He nods and releases my hand, pulling back. “Let’s get these dishes out then, shall we?”
He takes a stack and heads out. I stare after him, my eyes filling up.
They’re all so precious. I won’t just be breaking up with Chance. I’ll be hurting the entire family, but I have to. The longer this fake relationship stretches out, the more it’ll hurt. And our time is up anyway. Best to rip the band-aid off in the cleanest way possible.
Baxter returns and frowns. Quickly, I pick up the dishes and ease past him.
When I have a moment alone, I dab away the moisture in my eyes.
Thankfully, everyone is ready soon after and there’s no more time for me to wallow.
Everyone takes their seats and naturally, I’m placed next to Chance. My skin prickles with awareness. I can feel him, even though I keep my gaze on Dan. I don’t allow the conversation to stall, asking everyone more questions. Never allowing it to slip to a subject that includes me and Chance.
Only when we’re done with the main course do I look at Chance. He’s with a glass of champagne, choosing to skip dessert.
He meets my eyes and his chest moves with a resigned sigh.
There’s no backing out now. We have to do this.
How to start though…
I finish up my dessert and everyone’s having a glass of wine and still chatting easily. I take my glass and reach for the bottle. A drink would help me work up the nerve.
