Closing my eyes, I grip the railing tight, the rough texture cutting into my soft palms. I don’t know if I can make it through this day, knowing I’ll have to watch him. Possibly even talk to him. Does he have someone else in his life now? He should. He’s handsome and kind and smart. What woman wouldn’t want him?
I cut off all ties between us after that one night where I gave him my virginity almost three years ago. I thought it best. The only way for me to move on was to eliminate him completely from my life, and he didn’t approach me after that night either.
Within days of us being together, my engagement was announced, so I’m sure that was the biggest deterrent ever. Once that happened, once I married Earl, Spencer never made an appearance in my life again. He never even asked about me, and I would question Whit on occasion, curious about Spencer and what he might be doing.
But I never took it too far with my questioning, always protecting myself in the end. To find out certain details would hurt too much, and I was already in enough pain.
“Sylvie!”
My eyes fly open and I turn to find my aunt Louisa approaching me, beautiful in a coral-colored dress, a broad smile on her face.
“Aunt Louisa.” I accept her hug and the kiss on each cheek, returning it with a coolness that indicates I have everything under control. I am a most excellent actress. “It’s so good to see you.”
“I’m so glad you’re here. We’ve missed you at family functions.” She pulls away, her hands clutching my upper arms lightly as she scans me from head to toe. “Oh, aren’t you a delight. Iadoreyour dress.”
“Thank you.” I smile at her, glancing around. “Where’s Uncle Reggie?”
She’s married to one of my father’s younger brothers. The meanest one—Reginald. God, he’s awful.
“He’s with your father.” The light fades from her eyes, her expression serious. “They’re discussing business.”
“On a Saturday? During my brother’s wedding?” Truly, I’m not surprised. When do they not talk about business and money and bullshit?
“You know how they are.” She lets go of me, waving a dismissive hand, accompanied by a light laugh. “How are you doing?”
“I’m well.” I stand up straighter, my back to the lawn and the man down there that still owns a piece of me. “Better than ever.”
“You look well enough, considering all the trauma you’ve gone through in your life.” Her smile is full of sympathy.
Oh, leave it to my aunt Louisa to offer a compliment wrapped in an insult.
“Is Charlotte here?” I ask, referring to my cousin and Louisa’s only daughter.
“I don’t believe she’s arrived yet. She’s coming with her husband, Perry.” My aunt sounds proud, and I suppose she is. Perry and Charlotte are a golden couple. Rumor has it they started out as an arranged marriage that somehow worked out for them, which leaves me a bit envious.
Leave it to beautiful, quiet Charlotte to get the hot, young guy in an arranged marriage while my mother paired me with a decrepit old man.
“How about Crew?” I’m referring to Louisa’s youngest son.
“They’re already here. Not sure where, though.” Louisa’s smile remains pleasant, that glow coming back into her eyes. “She’s lovely, Crew’s fiancée, Wren.”
I’ve met her. She is lovely. And Crew is completely smitten with her.
As if conjured up by magic, Crew and Wren appear. He’s handsome in a gray suit, Wren beautiful in a pale pink sundress. They’re both golden, as if they’ve been touched by the sun and their smiles match as they greet me with genuine happiness.
“Why are you both so tan?” I ask Crew after Wren hugs me.
She laughs as his arm comes around her waist, yanking her to his side in a possessive gesture. “We just came back from France.”
“Cannes,” Crew adds, his adoring gaze finding Wren’s.
“What were you doing there?” I’m not just making polite conversation. I’m genuinely curious.
“Looking for art,” Wren tells me, her green eyes dancing.
“It’s her favorite hobby,” Crew adds.
The four of us chat for a few minutes, mostly talking about family, my gaze going to the glass Louisa clutches, wishing I had my own. After a few minutes of chatting, I begin to feel a strange, prickling sensation in the center of my back. It makes my shoulders twitch and I lift them, giving a little shake. Wondering if a bug has landed on my skin.