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“Well, I’m still open for a dance if you get bored.”
I frowned, realizing I’d glossed over a really important point. “Wait, why are you going solo? I already knew because of the guest list, but I’ve been wondering why.”
He looked at me like I should know exactly why. “One word. Amber.”
“Oh, come on. You can’t let her ruin wedding dates forever. They’re so romantic.”
“Ha. It was a mistake to bring her to a wedding in the first place. I’m glad there was no ceremony for her to get all weepy about since they did that part with just their parents or whatever. Weddings are a little intense when you’re just casually dating.”
“So is Valentine’s Day,” I said before I could stop the words.
I saw his face turn to study me in my peripheral, but I wouldn’t look at him. I couldn’t. I had no idea what had possessed me to bring up that horrible night, but now that I’d said it, I couldn’t bear to see the pity on his face that I was sure would be there.
“What do you mean?” he asked, his voice almost a whisper.
Taking a deep breath, I met his gaze. “You were out with that girl on Valentine’s Day. That’s a little intense for casually dating too, right?”
“I wasn’t out with anyone on Valentine’s Day. I was home playing video games when I got the call about Shelby.”
I blinked at him, not sure that I’d heard him right. “But that picture…”
“She posted it, but it was from the week before. I wasn’t with her that night. You’re right, Valentine’s Day isn’t for casually dating. I haven’t even seen her since the week before Valentine’s because her post weirded me out.”
“Oh.” I didn’t have any other words. Part of me had wondered if one of the reasons he’d rejected me that night had been because he was getting serious with that blonde girl. Now that I knew that wasn’t the case, I realized the big brother thing was the only excuse left. We needed another subject change, and fast.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Paul and Shelby making their way across the street, hand in hand. Thank goodness. Perfect timing. Well, they were late, and it would have been better if this whole exchange hadn’t ever happened, but whatever. Beggars couldn’t be choosers.
“Sorry, guys, I had a rough day and needed to lie down for a minute,” Shelby said with a remorseful expression when they joined us in front of the restaurant.
“It’s all right,” I said, hugging her gently. “Are you feeling okay now? We can reschedule.”
Shelby’s heart condition was tricky. She had good days and bad days, so I hated the idea that she’d had a bad day when she was supposed to be celebrating her impending wedding. I hoped with all of my heart that the wedding itself would be a very good day. The best of days, energy-wise. She’d need it. And she deserved it.
“No, I’m fine. And don’t argue with me. This guy already tried to get me to cancel.” She poked Paul in the side, and he caught her finger, pulling her close before kissing her temple.
“Deal. Let’s go.” I stepped to the door and held it open for Shelby and Paul, but Will reached over my head, taking the door. I blinked up at him, momentarily stunned by his nearness and how good he smelled as the evening breeze carried the clean scent to my nose.
He held out his other hand, keeping one on the door. “After you.”
Snapping out of it, I ducked into the restaurant. This was going to be rough.
