“Landon?”
I turn around to see Lynn Foster. She clearly wasn’t expecting me and doesn’t look thrilled to see me either. Beside her is Laurie’s mom, Jacie.
“Hi.” I try a smile. “I was looking for Rachel.”
“Did you call?” It’s Jacie, sounding protective.
“I…I spoke to Laurie.”
“So, Rachel doesn’t know you’re here?” Lynn asks.
“I don’t think so.”
Jacie studies me for a long moment. “She’s in the garden.”
“Jacie…” Lynn raises her brows.
Jacie meets her gaze and Lynn sighs. “You’ll find her in the gazebo. That way.” She points toward the back of the house.
I smile my thanks at the two of them. “I’ll go find her.”
Lynn is still giving me a pursed-lip look as I walk away, and for a moment, I envy Rachel her protective family…even when I’m the person from whom they’re protecting her.
I find the gazebo easily. It’s a small white structure set in the middle of the garden. Around it, shrubs and flowers bloom in a perfect arrangement. Inside, on a white bench, Rachel is seated quietly.
For a while, I say nothing. I watch her without moving. She looks so beautiful, and yet so delicate. As I stand there, a breeze rustles the surrounding leaves, and with a soft sigh, she hugs herself.
I say her name.
At first, nothing happens. I can’t even be sure she heard me. The music from the party continues, muted from the distance.
“Your mother told me you’d be back here,” I continue, praying she’ll at least turn around.
Slowly, she faces me, and it breaks my heart to see a lone tear on her cheek.
“Landon?”
“Hi.” I try to smile, but I’m too nervous. “I hope you don’t mind if I join you.”
Her eyes flutter closed, and when she opens them again, there’s a brightness there that wasn’t present before. “No,” she whispers. “No, I don’t.”
Chapter 30
I join her on the bench. She’s as nervous as I am, I can feel it. Her fingers grip the edge of the bench. Is she glad I’m here? Does she want me to leave?
I reach into my jacket and hand her the rose.
She accepts it and studies the petals silently. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
“I wasn’t… I tried to call you. You weren’t picking up. Laurie told me about the party, and that you were here.”
“My phone’s in the house,” she tells me.
“I guessed.”
She sets the rose down on the bench. “Why did you come?”
How could I not?