“What do you mean? I lived with Chris for six months.”
Branson shook his head. “Not the same, bro. You and Chris got together at a party and moved in together a few weeks later. You didn’t have to reallyworkfor it.”
I scoffed. “What are you saying, that I only care about Silas because he rejected me?”
“No, of course not,” Caitlyn said. “But maybe your other relationships came easily. Not every relationship does.”
“There is no relationship,” I grumbled. “Silas told me he doesn’t date members of the wedding party.”
“Well, it’s a good thing the wedding is in a few weeks, then,” Caitlyn said. “If that’s really why he’s saying no, you won’t be off-limits forever.”
I straightened. “I guess that’s true. But if it’s an excuse…”
“Well, don’t you owe it to yourself—and Silas—to figure that out? You need to use this time to really get to know him. To show himwhyhe wants to be with you.”
“Really?” My tone was dubious. “He seemed pretty closed off.”
“Sure. Because he thinks you want more than he can give. So don’t ask for more. Just show him what he’s missing.”
I nodded slowly. “And how do I show him that if I never see him?”
“Well, I think you start by coming along on our tour of Grand View Hotel tomorrow.” She cast a look at my brother. “Sorry, sweetie, but we know howoverwhelmedyou’ll be on the day. You need your best man to know his way around, right?”
My brother started to protest, caught her wink, and then glanced at me. “What do you think, Bryson? Can you stop wallowing long enough to go sweet-talk your man?”
Silas wasn’t my man. Judging by his words—and Calista’s—he wasn’t looking to be anyone’s man. But I’d kick myself if I didn’t even try. I may have only gone on one date with him, but there’d been an instant connection I’d felt with very few people in my life. And two of those people were sitting at this table.
I couldn’t give up on him without knowing I’d really tried.
“Larkin men aren’t quitters,” I told my brother. “Put me in, Coach. I’ll play my heart out.”
And chances were, I’d leave it at Silas’s feet.
CHAPTER 11
Silas
“You’re awfully quiet today, Silas.”
My mother couldn’t really frown anymore. Too many Botox injections. But she did grimace on video, which I interpreted as concern.
“I’m fine. Just thinking about work.”
Soon, I’d be meeting up with Branson and Caitlyn to tour the hotel where their reception was scheduled. Caitlyn and her mother had already seen it, of course, but Branson had been busy tying up business matters. I had asked the photographer to meet us there, as well, to scout out some good shooting locations with the couple.
But it was difficult to think about Branson and Caitlyn without thinking about Bryson and what he’d said to me.
“I’m glad I had that night to know you, the real you. And I really, sincerely hope I get to see that guy again.”
I didn’t like the idea that I was beingfake.I valued authenticity. Always had. But maybe I kept my guard up more than I even realized. Especially with men I desired. Ithought Iwantedto keep things casual, to just have some fun. I’d been telling my friends exactly that for years, and yet…Bryson had broken through that pretty lie in one night.
“Silas, honey, there’s more to life than work,” my mother said. “I hardly ever get to see you. Tell me how you are. Has Lula driven you crazy yet?”
I laughed. My mother had been horrified by my move to Granville. She viewed it as the backwoods sort of place she’d rather not set foot in. She and Lula might be related, but they weren’t anything alike. My grandmother had married into money, and Mom had grown up quite the little debutante.
She’d tried to make me in her image, and in some ways she’d succeeded. I’d used those manners in my role as a wedding planner. I was a good dresser, and I’d grown up around galas and other formal events that served me well now. But there was afakenessto that social circle that I’d never liked.
Precisely why Bryson’s comment had gotten to me.
