“Let’s get you home,” I tell her, holding out my hand and leading her to the waiting limo.
Once inside she mumbles a soft,“Thank you”and brushes her lips across my jaw before falling asleep against my shoulder.
Chapter 5
Previous Engagements
Flashback - Two Years Earlier
Looking around the restaurant, I search for Delilah in the crowded space. There are a lot of fucking people here. Based on the venue and attire, they’re mostly Brad’s co-workers, or clients. The thought makes my jaw clench. Tonight should be about Delilah, not Brad impressing his bosses.
I run my fingers through my still-damp hair, suddenly aware of exactly how much I stick out—never mind the fact that I make more than everyone in this room. My jaw is covered in a week’s worth of stubble from the hitting streak I’ve been on lately. The team declared I couldn’t shave because I’d jinx myself. I also opted to skip the blazer and cufflinks for a white button-up with rolled sleeves.
There isn’t a single person in this room whose opinion I care about other than Delilah. But the kid who grew up wearing misprinted shirts from his parents’ shop can’t help but feel out of place surrounded by all the carbon copies of Brad—men with short, gelled hair in varying shades of blond and brown, starched shirts with suit jackets, and polished black shoes. All complete with pocket squares and tumblers of gin.
As I make my way around to the other side of the bar, I see a flash of blonde. I’m barely able to brace myself before her tiny body comes barreling into me, wrapping her arms around my waist. I return her hug, my shoulder relaxing as the smell of cinnamon and coffee surrounds me.
“Surprise,” I whisper against the shell of her ear.
“What did you do? You finished playing less than three hours ago halfway across the country.” Delilah looks up at me as she lets her arm fall to her side. I bury the disappointment I feel at the loss of her touch, something I’m getting good at—avoiding the feelings I’m developing for her. I’m going to need to get even better at it if my hunch about tonight is correct.
“Did you really think I would miss your birthday? What kind of best friend would I be if I did that?” My threat last year—after we met—to stop by the coffee shop daily and be her self-proclaimed best friend might have started as a joke, but fate has a funny way of giving you exactly what you need, in the way you least expect it. Delilah is that for me. She’s the bright spot in some of the darkest days. “Don’t worry about how I got here. That’s not important.
“You made it?” Brad says as he approaches pulling Delilah against his side. “Dee didn’t think you would. But we’re glad you could be here. It’s going to be a special night.”
Delilah looks up at Brad smiling. She’s thinking the same thing that I am. Well, maybe not the exact same thing.
This tool bag is about to propose to a girl he’s nowhere near good enough for, and I’m trying really hard to be happy for her. But no matter how I spin it, nothing gets rid of the sinking feeling in my gut every time I think about Delilah saying “yes” to spending the rest of her life with Brad.
“Now that Cruz is here, what do you say we make a quick toast?” Brad weaves his fingers through hers and pulls her away from me before she even has the chance to respond.
She looks over her shoulder and smiles mouthing“sorry”as she trails behind him to the center of the room.
Brad picks up a fork and clanks it against his glass a few times to get everyone’s attention. “Thank you all for coming tonight to help celebrate Dee’s birthday.” I roll my eyes at the nickname knowing she prefers Delilah or Lilah. Every time he introduces her to someone new as “Dee,” she politely corrects it.
I haven’t decided if Brad’s too dumb or too inconsiderate to pick up on it. Maybe both. Definitely both.
“As many of you know, we’ve been together since college. In that time, we’ve spent countless hours planning out a life together. This one’s been there for me through undergrad, law school, and making partner.” Brad pauses, giving the room a self-important smile. “Now it’s time for that next step and I couldn’t think of a more perfect woman to live out my dreams with.”
Brad drops to his knee and pulls a small blue box out of his pocket. Delilah’s hands come to her mouth and tears fill her eyes. I roll my lips together, trying to muster some happiness, but I can get past the apprehension that this isn’t what’s best for her.
Delilah deserves so much better than a proposal filled with a list of her fiancé’s accomplishments. The one thing he got right is that she’s perfect. She deserves to be more than just his arm candy. Maybe I could be happy if she was with someone who values her thoughtfulness, tenacity, and passion. I look down at the gift bag still hanging from my finger and I think about the gift inside. All the thought and time I put into making sure it’s right and her fiancé can’t even do that for her on the night they get engaged.
“Dee, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife and building the life we have spent the last eight years dreaming up?”
No, I love you. No, I can’t live without you.Jesus.What the fuck?
I grab a glass of champagne off the passing waiter’s tray and down it, not bothering to wait for the toast that I know is coming. Across the room Delilah nods rapidly while Brad slides the chunky ring on her finger.
After all the cheers die down, I bide my time until I can pull her aside to wish her well before I duck out. Watching her agree to marry Brad was harder than I expected. Delilah and I aren’t meant to be. I’m not the guy for her. She has whole life planned out and I can’t give her the things she needs. I can barely give myself the things I need most days.
My guilt over leaving early is eased by the knowledge that we have plans to celebrate her birthday tomorrow with a trip to Saving Paws animal shelter. If she asks, I can blame my exit on jet lag but I’m feeling more emotionally drained than physically.
“Hey man, thanks again for coming. I know it means a lot to Dee,” Brad says, clapping me on the back like we’re buds. I plaster a smile on my face, tolerating Brad because he’s important to her.
“Congratulations, Brad,” I say, returning the pat on the back more roughly than I probably need to.
“There you are. My two favorite humans.” Delilah comes between us and rests her head on Brad’s chest.
