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My heart pounded hard, and I swallowed thickly. “Yeah, that’s so messed up.”
Nicole nodded. “Everyone’s torn up about it. And wecannothandle any more bad news right now.”
Sean kissed her temple. “We’ll get through this, baby. And Chris already helped us put out one fire.”
Nicole leaned into him. “That’s true. We appreciate your help.”
Sean looked right into my eyes as he said, “I know I can always count on you, bro. You’ve never let me down.”
I wouldn’t be able to tell him.
I did not want the first time I’d ever disappointed Sean to be right before his wedding, especially after what they just told me. I was reading the room loud and clear and knew I had to keep quiet for at least a little while longer.
“I’m going to get the laundry folded,” Nicole said, kissing Sean on the cheek. “Thanks again, Chris. I’m glad you were here to help us with everything.”
I nodded. “No problem.”
She walked out of the room, leaving Sean and me alone. He blew out a breath and scrubbed his face. “That’s enough internet for today,” he said, closing his laptop. He shifted in his seat to face me. “So, what’s up? You wanted to tell me something when you first came in before the shit hit the fan.”
“Oh, right.” I cleared my throat. “Uh, I’m going out of town this weekend to visit my mother.”
His eyebrows furrowed. “Really?” He crossed his arms. “I thought you were done letting her suck you into her constant drama.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. “Yeah, I am.” I scrambled for some reason to visit, returning to the phone call I’d had with my mom recently. “I feel like I need to check in and make sure she’s living okay, you know? I can claim that I’m over her all day, but I still worry.”
All of that was true, but I felt awful for lying to Sean about why I’d be out of town. He deserved to know, and he would eventually. Just not right now.
Sean bobbed his head. “Okay, man. If you’re sure. I’m here if you need to call to vent or anything.”
“I appreciate that.” I rubbed my palms together slowly. “You’re not going to need me to meet up with Sarah, right?”
He shook his head. “No, you’re good, man. I hope you have some fun even if you’ll be with your mom.”
I nodded slowly. “Thanks, man.”
We sat in silence for a moment. “Apparently, Sav will be out of town too,” he said. “She told me today that she’s going somewhere with Penny.”
I avoided eye contact. “Oh, yeah?”
“She didn’t tell you about it?”
I shrugged. “She might have. Yeah, I think she mentioned something about it.”
He hummed in response, then he tapped his armrests and stood. “I’m tired of sitting here. Want to grab some beers and go outside for a bit?”
“Yeah, let’s do it.” I put on a happy face for Sean and tried not to look too nervous or disappointed that I couldn’t get the secret off my chest just yet.
24
SAV
I stoodoutside waiting for Chris. My duffle bag was on the white wood porch, and my backpack was on. I’d opted for yoga pants and a t-shirt, my hair in a loose ponytail.
He pulled into the driveway, and he grinned when he saw me waiting for him. I rushed down the stairs and jumped into his arms as soon as he exited his truck. He chuckled and held me close, twisting my body back and forth as we laughed together.
“My beautiful girl,” he said in my ear. He kissed my neck, and I closed my eyes in bliss.
I’d chosen not to mention the other woman’s call to his phone the other day. He’d come back to the office, excited to show me a room with a jacuzzi tub and a lovely garden space in the courtyard. I’d told him it looked like it was straight out of a book, and he’d smiled.
