“What about you, son?” Nelson said.
“I’m still thinking,” August said, but something in the intensity with which he stared at my face told me he knew exactly what he wanted to say but didn’t want to utter it in front of everyone. Which was fine by me, because I was also certain that whatever he’d say would be heartfelt and make me cry . . . again. “But don’t let my thinking keep you from your drinking.” He raised his glass. “To you, Ness.”
Without breaking eye contact, he took a long sip of champagne.
We had three incredible courses followed by the most decadent flourless chocolate birthday cake. When it was brought out, ablaze with candles, everyone in the restaurant sang and clapped. By the time coffees and teas were served, the waistband of my dress felt like steel wire.
I was listening to one of Evelyn’s kitchen nightmare stories when I caught Nelson asking August at what time he was flying out to Tennessee to meet with the Rivers.
He was going to meet the Rivers?
I was so disconcerted by the news of his impending trip that I didn’t realize I’d spoken out loud until both Watts turned toward me.
“They want us to build them an indoor recreation center for the winter months.” Nelson beamed proudly.
“That’s . . . that’s”-I flipped the tiny spoon on my teacup saucer over and over-“wonderful.”
It wasn’t, though. Not in the least. Even though I knew firsthand that the Rivers genuinely liked what August and Nelson had crafted, I also knew the River Alpha’s daughter had a thing-more than a thing . . . ugh-for August. And if he went, the distance would cancel out our bond, and since he assumed my feelings for him were entirely platonic, nothing would stand in his way to hook up with her again. Trying to rein in my glumness, I swallowed the tepid and over-infused dregs of my tea that tasted way better than the jealousy basting my palate.
At the end of dinner, after everyone had thanked Trent and filed out of the restaurant, Nelson said, “We have a birthday present for you. It’s for your new house. Let me know when you’re done redoing it, and I’ll bring it over.”
“You didn’t have to-”
“Will you just let us spoil you without putting up a fight?” Isobel asked, flicking the tip of my nose.
“Okay.”Nelson pulled open her car door, and she climbed into the passenger seat. Before shutting the door, she said, “Thank you for sharing your special night, sweet girl,” and then she blew me another kiss.
They couldn’t replace Mom and Dad-no one could-but I was fortunate to have them in my life. Whoever August ended up with would be one lucky girl.
That thought just crushed me. Where had it even come from?
Evelyn hugged me tight and told me she loved me a great many times before finally letting Frank tug her away. Only Jeb, August, and I remained on the glittery pavement.
Digging the van’s key out of his jacket pocket, my uncle congratulated August on landing another deal with the Rivers, then to me, he said, “I’ll bring the car around.”
We hadn’t parked far, but I was glad not to have to walk in the heels that were so high I was only half a head shorter than August.
Keeping my gaze on the stubble coating his jaw, I said, “Thanks for my palm tree.”
“You’re welcome.”
His scent and heat eddied in the air between us, tempting me to step in closer. “I love it.”
His lips arched. “I’m glad.”
I inhaled a long breath that just tortured my heart. “How are you feeling?”
“I still can’t shift. But otherwise, I feel good.”
For a moment, neither of us spoke, and then we both spoke at the same time.
He said, “How was your first week of school?” while I asked, “When are you leaving?”
“You first,” he said.
“My first week was really good.”
“It’s a big milestone. We should celebrate. If you have time next week, we could go for ice-cream at the Creamery.”
His suggestion had me wincing. I loved that parlor and I loved the idea of going with him, but it was a place he’d bring me to when I was a kid, and that made me feel so young, like I’d blown out thirteen candles instead of eighteen.
“Sure,” I said, just as the van turned the corner. I started heading toward it, but paused. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“I’m leaving tomorrow morning.”
I clenched the pouch that held my little palm tree. “For how long?”
“Two nights.”
I swallowed and eased my grip before I could break the creation like I’d broken us. “Huh,” I ended up saying. Not very eloquent, but it beat the wounded sound forming at the back of my throat.
As I staggered the few feet that separated me from the van, I attempted not to topple from the weight of the war raging within me. I paused by the car door, the desire to admit my lie burning on my tongue. I glanced over my shoulder. August was reading something on his phone’s screen.
Something that made him smile.
Had the River Alpha’s daughter sent him a text message?
“Ness?” My uncle’s voice made me jump. “I’m holding up traffic, sweetie.”
“Sorry,” I mumbled, getting into the car.
I didn’t look at August as we drove away, afraid he was still smiling at his phone.
“Last coat of paint goes on tomorrow,” Jeb said before heading into his bedroom. “If we start early, we could be done with everything by nightfall and move in on Sunday.”
“Only if you take the bigger room.”
“Ness-“”Please, Jeb. I can’t live in their room.” Already moving into my old home, however different it would look with fresh paint and new furniture, was going to be difficult.
“You’re sure?”
“Two hundred percent.”
He looked at me a long time before saying, “Okay,” then drummed his fingers against the doorframe. “Have a good night, sweetie. And again, happy birthday.”
Once his door clicked shut, I reached for my zipper and started easing it down, but then the memory of August smiling at his phone had me tugging it back up and grabbing my keys.
Maybe it hadn’t been the River Alpha’s daughter on the other end of his pleasant conversation, but either way, I wasn’t letting him leave without understanding my reasons for shutting him out.