Somehow, she’d managed to push aside the reminder that she would also be seeing James today. It’d been easy enough when she focused on what this event was about and who it was for. They were celebrating Kristen and Blake getting married.
It was romantic and beyond amazing, and she was thrilled for them. “It’d just be a lot easier if the bride’s brother wasn’t my ex,” she muttered.
She mentally prepped herself to step out of the car and walk to the beach. She’d stay away from James. Find someone else to stand near.
You’ve got this.
She opened her door and climbed out, tugging the hem of her sweater dress down further. The cold air hit the only parts of her legs that weren’t covered, and for a moment, she regretted not wearing leggings.
Leggings weren’t as sexy as a patch of bare skin, and it had directly contributed to her wardrobe choice. Maybe she and Eric weren’t hooking up—by his choice—but the urge to make him keep wanting her couldn’t be quenched.
It was petty as heck, but whatever. She’d take her wins where she could. And, hey, at least she’d grabbed a black coat to help with the chill.
Hannah made her way up the paved path to the pedestrian bridge that crossed over the train tracks.
Had Eric parked yet? She cast a quick glance over her shoulder and spotted him just starting up the path. The temptation to wait for him and walk together was overwhelming.
Let it go, Hannah.
Not that anyone would think it was weird, since they’d clearly known each other before. But she didn’t want to give anyone even an inkling that there was something between them.
The steps that led to the beach were the metal grated type. Which meant she could see how high up she was as she descended.
“And thank God I’m not afraid of heights.”
As she made her way down each step, she scanned the beach below, trying to spot the wedding party.
It only took a moment before she spied a group of about fifteen people who were dressed a bit swankier than one would expect for a cool fall day at the beach. No sign of the bride and groom, but they were probably out of sight getting ready.
Once down on the beach, she made her way to the group. It didn’t take along until she spotted James.
He was hard to miss with his tall frame. He hadn’t noticed her yet, and she took a moment to really drink him in.
She waited for some kind of emotion to hit. Really anything. Attraction? Loss? Sadness?
But the dominant feeling seemed to be dread at having to deal with him if he tried to bring up getting back together.
Unlike him, she truly was over their relationship.
God, please don’t let him make a scene.
Fortunately, he hadn’t noticed her. And when he strode off down the beach toward a shade tent a moment later, she had to admit she was relieved.
“Hannah!”
The high-pitched voice was laced with warmth and happiness, but it still had her wincing. She bit her lip before swinging her attention to James’s and Kristen’s mother.
“Tracy. It’s so good to see you.” And it wasn’t a complete lie because she’d always adored James’s parents.
“Oh, same, darling. I’m glad you made it today.” Tracy squeezed her hand. “Tell me what you’ve been up to? How’s the job?”
And thankfully, she was tactful enough not to bring up her son or their former relationship.
Hannah gave a vague answer on how life was, not really wanting to delve into the super juicy bits. Not that Tracy would expect her to, anyway.
And before she could ask any deeper questions, Hannah added, “Well, congratulations on getting a new son-in-law. I’m sure you must be thrilled for Kristen.”
“Oh, we are.” Tracy’s smile quirked. “Though she’s so young, so we were a little surprised. We thought for sure James would be the first... oops, never mind that.”