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She’d always liked Blake. He was a paramedic for the Seattle Fire Department. And despite looking like he belonged on one of those fire department calendars, he was pretty down-to-earth and just a really decent guy.
Now and then, Tori gave herself a pat on the back for helping the two crazy kids get together. They really were meant for one another.
“Are you staying for the after-party?” Blake gestured to the hot tub under the top deck. “Not everyone got the invite. You should feel special.”
“I am special,” she quipped with a sardonic smile. “And, yeah, I think I will. This party is the only plan I have for tonight. I have a swimsuit in my backpack.”
“Fantastic. We also have the extra bedrooms all set up if anyone needs to crash here tonight.” He lifted his soda and took a sip. “Too much to drink or whatever.”
She knew he didn’t drink, but he was understandably cautious on the behalf of those who did.
“Thanks.”
Actually, a beer sounded kind of perfect right now. She grabbed one from the cooler and cracked it open. She’d just taken a sip when James stepped outside.
“It’s the man of the hour,” Blake hollered. “How does it feel to have passed the bar?”
“Such a relief.”
James grinned and the two did that whole handshake-backslap thing guys seemed fond of.
“Oh, hey, watch the burgers for me?” Blake cleared his throat and glanced between Tori and James. “I need to find your sister really quick.”
“No problem.”
Once he was gone, it was just James and her. Which is exactly what he’d probably intended. Tori bit the inside of her cheek and made herself count to three to keep it calm and casual.
“Congratulations on passing.” Did that sound bitchy? She softened her tone. “Seriously, I knew you’d do great this time.”
He grimaced and shoved his hands into his jeans. “Thank you. I’m so happy to be done. Having that hang over my head for so long made me kind of an asshole.”
“Oh, was that what it was?” She couldn’t resist teasing him.
“Part of it.” He pressed the spatula down on a burger, sending grease dropping and sizzling on the charcoal below. “I owe you an apology, Tori.”
Her breath caught and her pulse quickened.
What?
Instead of replying, she waited for him to finish that thought.
“You’re right. I did paint you as the villain. It was easier to have someone be the scapegoat when my life went to shit.” He glanced over at her and their gazes held. “That someone ended up being you. And I’m sorry. You didn’t deserve it. Any of the judgment, or any of the shitty things I’ve said.”
The dam inside her splintered, and a wave of emotion soared through the cracks. It took everything she had not to let her eyes fill with tears.
She was stronger than that.
Victoria Brown didn’t cry.
And she’d had plenty of reasons to in her life.
Finally, when she was ready, she gave a small nod.
“Thank you for saying that.”
He nodded, and his gaze drifted to the house, where Hannah and Eric were standing in the kitchen, holding hands.
Did he still have feelings for his ex?
