AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Nothing. I haven’t spoken to him since I left the restaurant, and I don’t expect to, not for a while.” We were over. Completely over before we ever really got started.
“And you’re not willing to have a lowkey, off the radar relationship?”
“To what end, Pippa? So I can spend time alone with him and let my life pass me by? No way.”
“Pass you by? Aren’t you being just a tad dramatic?”
I shook my head. “Not at all. What happens down the line? He wants to get engaged and keep it a secret? A courthouse wedding with a handful of witnesses? Having our babies in Nashville so no one knows about it? Where will it end?” I knew that all of that was jumping the gun, but giving in to secrecy now meant I might have to accept it forever. “That’s not the life I want.”
“And you shouldn’t accept it,” she agreed. “I’m just really bummed about this. I’m so sorry honey.”
“Thank you.” I shrugged off the lingering sadness and flashed a smile that started to feel genuine. “I’m old enough to be used to relationships not working out,” I assured her.
“True, but you care about him, and knowing nothing can come of it sucks, for that I’m sorry.” She smiled again when Ryanna’s baby babble kicked up a notch and she patted my shoulder as if trying to get my attention. “So what movie are we watching today anyway?”
I shrugged. “Who knows? Margot is on the committee, so probably something sappy and romantic.” We shared a laugh, all talk of Chase put aside for the rest of the day.
“Let’s hope it’s not Gone With The Wind, because I totally wouldn’t put it past Margot.” Pippa rolled her eyes. “I mean it’s a great movie and all, but I’d like something a little more upbeat and modern.”
“You mean something like Notting Hill?” I asked about one of her favorite romantic comedy films.
“Yes. Or Love, Actually. Even something old school like Pretty in Pink.” She sighed and shook her head as she reached for another date. “Damn these are so good I might have to hit the treadmill later today.”
“How about I come over and we do some yoga together? I could use it too.”
“Deal,” she smiled, but her grin slowly faded and I didn’t need to turn around to know why. Chase was here, in the park. I felt the way the air charged behind me, the way the sun seemed to get a little hotter, exponentially brighter. “Don’t look now, but Chase is here.”
Of course he was here. “He’s the mayor, I figured he would show up.”
“With a picnic basket and blanket of his own?” The look on her face told me he was headed right towards us. “He’s setting up behind you.”
“Of course he is,” I mumbled because there was nothing to be done about it. I could draw more attention to myself by leaving, but I didn’t want to, and I refused to run the other way just because we didn’t work out as a couple. “It’ll be fine,” I assured Pippa because she needed it. She didn’t want her wedding ruined by the tension between us, and I wouldn’t let that happen.
“Hey Pip!” His voice sounded behind me, happy and upbeat.
“Hey Chase,” she smiled. “How’s it going?”
“It’s a lovely day for a movie in the park,” he told her, his tone unbothered, as if nothing at all was wrong. Then again, maybe nothing was wrong. “Mind if I set up here?”
Yes.
“No,” Pippa answered easily. “What’s in your basket?”
“Fried chicken and potato salad, of course. And brownies, courtesy of Alice and Mabel.” His tone was normal, not a hint of strain, and I willed myself not to look back, not to confirm that he was perfectly fine with the way things had played out between us. I listened as Chase spread out his blanket and unpacked his basket, hoping one of the nosy townsfolk would steal his attention away.
No such luck, however. Where were the busybodies when you actually needed them? Chase stood in front of our blanket with a smile. “Hi Carlotta.”
“Chase,” I said primly as he knelt in front of me.
“Mind if I hold her?”
“She’s your niece,” I answered and practically shoved the baby into his arms, anything to get him away from me. And fast.
“How are you?” He was close when he asked the question, securing Ryanna in his corded arms.
“Fine. You?”
“I’ve been better,” he said as a slow, sad smile spread across his face. “You look good.”
