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“Where?” I hedge, curiosity piqued.
“Trust me?” It’s all he offers, an invitation wrapped in mystery.
I nod, despite the flutter of unease in my stomach. Together we exit the school, the afternoon sun harsh after the dim classroom. We don’t speak as he leads me to his car, the air between us thick with unasked questions.
The drive is short, and soon we’re pulling up to an unfamiliar house. The lawn sprawls before us, dotted with white chairs and strings of lights not yet illuminated.
“An engagement party. This is my mother’s house,” Levi says, and it’s not a question.
“Um, okay.” It’s all I manage as disappointment stings. How could he not tell me?
I glance down at my clothes, casual and so out of place among the festive setup. “I wish you’d let me know.”
“Sorry,” he murmurs, sounding anything but sorry. He’s watching me, a half smile playing on his lips, as if he’s enjoying this.
We walk toward the house, my heart dancing a nervous beat. Unprepared is an understatement, but with Levi by my side, somehow it feels like just another adventure waiting to unfold.
We reach the front door, and I tug at my shirt, trying to smooth out imaginary wrinkles. Levi catches my hand, stilling it.
“Hey,” he says softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You look great. Besides, it’s Mom’s fourth time at the rodeo. At this point, she’d marry a gold bar if it put a ring on her finger.”
I can’t help the laughter that bubbles up from my chest. Tension eases from my shoulders as his words sink in. Levi always has a way of making light of heavy things.
“Gold digger, huh?” I tease back, allowing myself a moment to enjoy the sparkle in his eyes.
“Let’s just say she’s got expensive taste.”
The door swings open before we can say more, and a woman who I assume is his mother stands there, surprise etched onto her face for a split second before it brightens into an excited smile.
“Levi! Darling, you made it!”
“Mom, this is Brielle,” Levi says with a smile.
“Call me Tina, dear,” she says immediately. “It’s so lovely to meet you.” Her voice is warm, enveloping me in an unexpected welcome.
“It’s great to meet you, Tina.” I step forward into her offered embrace, feeling her genuine affection. “Congratulations.”
“Thank you, sweetheart.” She pulls back, her eyes scanning me. “You look absolutely beautiful. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
“Thanks.” The compliment soothes any lingering insecurity about my casual attire. With a grin, I glance at Levi, who gives me a wink that sends a quick shiver down my spine.
“Come on.” Tina beckons us inside. “There’s so much to celebrate.”
I weave through the crowd, Levi’s hand a steady presence at the small of my back. Laughter and clinking glasses fill the air, mingling with the scent of expensive perfume and rich food. A tray of delicate canapés catches my eye, and I steer us toward it.
“Charlotte was always so picky about food,” I overhear Tina say to a cluster of women. The name jolts me, unfamiliar and yet obviously significant in Levi’s past.
“Who’s Charlotte?” I ask as we reach the snack table, my voice barely above the hum of conversations around us.
Levi pauses, a frown momentarily crossing his handsome face before he picks up two stuffed mushrooms and offers one to me. “My college girlfriend,” he says, his tone even. “Before she made some…complicated choices.”
His eyes meet mine, and there’s a shadow there that wasn’t present moments ago. I take the mushroom but my appetite wanes with curiosity swirling inside me.
“Complicated how?” I probe gently, setting the uneaten appetizer back down.
He sighs, running a hand through his hair. “She claimed I was the father of her baby. Turned out to be my best friend’s.” He shrugs, trying to appear nonchalant, but the tightness around his eyes betrays him.
“Levi, that’s awful,” I breathe out, my heart aching for him. I can’t imagine the betrayal he must have felt. “I’m sorry you went through that.”
