Morgan was still glued to Dax’s side as he continued to grill. I allowed myself a few seconds to look, then forced myself to turn away. When I looked back over at Shannon, I realized she’d been watching me watching them.
“I’m just gonna say one last thing before we change the subject to France because I want to hear all about your travels,” she said.
“Okay…”
“I wish things were different, Wren. What he felt for you was genuine. But I also understand the dilemma you faced. I probably would’ve made the same choice if I were him, as difficult as it was. And I think you did the right thing in leaving when you did to put some space between you. But again, I wish things were different because I think you’re absolutely fantastic.”
I looked down. “You’re gonna make me cry.”
She placed her hand on my arm. “Aw, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to do that.”
I took a deep breath and then spent the next half hour or so recapping my time in France for Shannon while the tent filled with teenage boys who came to devour the food that had been laid out. The caterer had brought in two different types of potato salad, pasta salad, green salad, fresh corn on the cob, and the most delicious coleslaw I’d ever tasted. For dessert, there was a massive cake with a running track on top.
Dax remained at the grill most of the afternoon, taking special orders from the boys.
After we ate, Shannon left because she had plans with her husband, so for the first time all day, I found myself sitting alone.
That didn’t last long, though, because a few minutes later, a gorgeous man appeared in the seat next to me. He had blond hair, blue eyes, and sparkling teeth. The heater blew some of his amazing scent toward me.
“You must be Wren.” He held out his hand. “Morgan’s told me all about you. I’m Dylan.”
Dax
The demand at the grill had finally waned, though I wished I still had stuff to make. At least then I could’ve immersed myself in something other than sitting here, struggling not to look over at Wren.
Much to my chagrin, Morgan had invited her work associate, Dylan Valeri, to the barbecue without telling me first. It’s not like I would’ve told her he couldn’t come, but at least I would’ve had a warning that this would be happening today—a warning that I’d have to watch him fawn all over Wren.
Selfishly, I’d hoped Morgan had forgotten about setting them up. I knew her intentions were good, but I didn’t need a front-row seat.
I caught myself. Look what I’m saying. Why should I be spared watching Wren with another man when she couldn’t avoid having to see me with Morgan? This was exactly what I deserved.
Morgan leaned into me as she looked across at them. “They seem to be getting along, huh?”
I stabbed the fork a little too hard into my cake. “It would seem that way, yes.”
“I’m glad I thought to invite him.”
I ground my teeth. “Yeah. You didn’t mention he was coming.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I totally forgot to tell you. That was okay, right?”
“Of course,” I muttered.
They did appear to be getting along. Wren had laughed more than once at something he’d said, and her body language seemed to indicate she might like him. She’d twirled her hair a couple of times.
My stomach felt uneasy. It wasn’t that I didn’t want her to be happy. I just didn’t want to witness it.
I thought I was getting a handle on it until Wren and Dylan stood up and went for a walk around the grounds. My pulse raced as they disappeared into the trees. Apparently, not seeing them but knowing they were together was worse than having to watch. But Wren deserved happiness. She deserved the world. And if she was going to date someone, I’d rather it be someone like Dylan who had his shit together than someone who wasn’t worthy of her. I needed to try to be okay with this, even if I wished I could give Dylan an atomic wedgie right now and suffocate him with his own underwear.
Morgan interrupted my thoughts. “I’m gonna get another drink. Want something?”
“Hmm?” I blinked out of my trance.
“A drink. Do you want one?”
“Sure. Grab me a Sam Adams.”
“You got it.”
Guilt crept in. My girlfriend was unaware of the turmoil in my head, which was a good thing, but I continued to feel uneasy about not having had a chance to talk to Wren all day. It seemed wrong not to acknowledge that I knew coming here wasn’t easy for her. Though, perhaps, that wasn’t necessary anymore; she seemed to be doing just fine.
Morgan returned with my beer, and I vowed to refocus my attention where it belonged, on my girlfriend—not my ex-lover who was currently enjoying the company of another man.