Will raised his eyebrows. “Sister-in-law?”
I parted my lips. I wanted to say that I was married to Bash’s brother. But Carson was no longer here. It was the first time I was faced with who I was to Bash. If Carson was dead, was I still married? We’d never gotten a divorce, but could I still be his wife? Was this how that worked?
My entire body froze as I stood there, staring at Will. His smile faltered as he studied me and then turned to Abigail. I didn’t blame the man. I’m sure I looked crazy. But my brain was frozen. I wasn’t sure I was ready to come to a conclusion about my marital status in front of this man, no matter the outcome.
This was too much. This was too complicated.
“Emery was married to Bash’s late brother,” Abigail offered. Her voice was hushed and held a reverence that I appreciated.
Will turned his focus back on me. “Oh,” he said before his smile softened. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”
My mouth felt dry, and my throat felt like sandpaper as I tried to swallow. This had been a mistake. I’d had this same reaction to Rex at the shop. It had only been a day since that interaction. Why did I think I was suddenly fixed?
The last thing I wanted was to break down in front of this stranger, so I just nodded and managed out a weak, “Thank you,” before I turned on my heel and headed over to the bar.
I needed a drink and I needed one now.
Thankfully, the bartender was quick as he filled up a glass of ice water and handed it to me. I drank half before I set it down on the counter.
“What did that man say to you?” Noah’s voice was deep and startled me.
I turned to see him standing right behind me, a look of fury in his gaze.
“What?” I asked, my brain trying to catch up with what was happening.
Noah searched my gaze. “Are you okay?” he finally asked.
I studied him for a moment before I turned my attention back to my water and took a sip, reveling in the feeling of the ice-cold water sliding down my throat. “I'm fine,” I lied.
Of course I wasn't fine. There was nothing about the situation that could make me feel fine. I was barely prepared to talk to the opposite sex, much less date them. I’d finally come to terms with my grief after Carson, and now I was being forced to pick at that scab. I doubted I was ever going to be fine.
Noah didn't look like he believed me. It was evident when I turned back around to face him once more. Thankfully, he didn't push me further even though I could see that he wanted to say something.
I was itching to get away from him. It was one thing to stand next to strangers who had no clue about me or Carson. Someone with whom I had no history. It was a whole other thing to stand next to somebody who could see right through me. Who knew and understood what I had lost. As much as I didn't want to go back over to speak to Will, I didn't want to stay there under the scrutiny of Noah any longer.
I forced a smile as I picked up my glass of water and headed back over to where Abigail and Will were still chatting. My external did not match my internal, but I didn’t want to hint to anyone that I was struggling. My struggles didn't matter to the board. I was here to find someone who fulfilled the requirements they’d thrust upon me to keep my job. That was going to be my focus.
"You okay?” Abigail asked, leaning close to me as soon as I stepped up next to her.
Her voice was hushed, but it didn't matter. Will had heard her, and I could tell that he was wondering the same thing. It was evident in the sympathetic smile he offered me.
I held up my glass of water. "Just thirsty," I said and punctuated my words with another sip.
I could tell that Abigail didn't believe me, but thankfully she moved on. "Will is the owner of the Aurelian.”
Shit. I turned to him and offered an apologetic smile. I knew how amazing it was that Bash had snagged the Aurelian for the hotel, and here I was, having a panic attack and walking away from the owner of the restaurant without excusing myself. I was letting my inability to control my emotions when it came to Carson affect my business relationships.
I needed to get a grip, and I needed to get one now.
“Oh!” I said, a bit too loud. I instantly pressed my fingers to my lips. “I’m so sorry,” I muttered. I gathered myself and dropped my hand before I offered him a soft smile, one that I hoped told him I wasn’t crazy. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
Will’s smile was genuine as he studied me. “Trust me, the honor is mine.” He kept his gaze on me, and my cheeks warmed from his attention.
“I was just telling Emery that it would be nice for someone to show her around the island,” Abigail said. I whipped my gaze over at her. “I mean, as someone who has been exploring himself, it would be perfect for a newbie to show her all the must-see places.” Abigail wrapped her arm around mine and pulled me closer.
Will frowned. “Don’t you live here?”
Abigail laughed. “Yes, I do.”
