Him by Carey Heywood (reading strategies book .txt) 📕

about the table. When I explain how heavy it is, he tells me to just leave it in the car. Brian can swing by in the morning with Will and take my dad's car to his place to unload it. My uncle Chip is still hanging out in the living room watching TV. I pick up where I left off and make more sprays.

I am on the last spray when my mom gets back from her errands. She hurries into the room, asking why I haven’t started getting ready for dinner. I’m almost offended. How long does she think it will take me to get presentable? I finish the spray and add it to the completed pile. My mother is barking orders at my uncle as I head up the stairs. It’s not like I did any heavy labor today, so I don’t need to take another shower. I take out my dress, thanking the gods of wrinkle-resistant jersey as I shake it out. It is a charcoal, button-up, shirt-style dress with three quarter sleeves. I do my best to curl my hair the same way Christine had the other night. It doesn’t come out as good but still looks pretty when I pull half of it up with a clip. Giving myself a once over after I finish my makeup, I’m happy with how I look.

I turn to check the time. It only took me thirty-five minutes. I consider finding my mother to prove I can clean up nice quickly but don’t want to interrupt her. I slip on some black heels, grab my clutch, and go downstairs. My father is straightening his tie in the hall mirror. When he sees me, he whistles.

"Oh, dad," I huff, secretly thrilled. He isn’t much of a talker but always seems to know what to say or do to make me feel good.

My uncle Chip comes down the stairs next. We hang out in the living room, waiting for my mother. She takes forever to get ready. She is notorious for changing her mind on what to wear frequently before going out. My dad only checks his watch three more times before she comes down the stairs. I have to grin. She looks beautiful. She wears a shin-length, rose-shaded, sheath-style dress with a floral scarf. She knows she looks good and pauses to let us admire her before coming the rest of the way down the stairs. My father puts his arm out to her, leaning in to whisper something in her ear when she takes it. She blushes and giggles like a schoolgirl.

Ever been so happy for someone and so aware of how lonely their happiness makes you feel at the same time? Chip offers me his arm with a wink, and shrugging, I take it. We may not have dates, but it’s a relief to know I will have someone to hang out with tonight. The restaurant we are going to is a bit of a drive, on a local lake. I have a mild panic attack when I realize which lake. Sometimes I feel like I will never be free of that night. I square my shoulders and tell myself to grow up. It was seven years ago. Besides, I am looking forward to meeting Christine's parents and seeing the rest of the wedding party. Well, everyone except Will.

Our group is in a banquet room that opens up on to a deck over the lake. It’s a beautiful June evening, and the wide French doors are opened to let in the fresh evening air. I’m curious about mosquitoes but see citronella candle torches lining the deck railing. The flames mirror on the smooth surface of the lake. Chip graciously leads me to my table before joining my parents at the grown ups table. I am not surprised to find myself seated by Will. We are the only single people in the wedding party. Will looks edible, and in some cruel coincidence, I notice his charcoal suit matches my dress perfectly. He brings his hand up to scratch the back of his head. I can not help but flush as I watch his eyes drift over me.

"How are you feeling?" he asks as I slide into my seat.

Oh, the migraine. "Um, better. Thank you." I avoid his eyes.

"I just—"

"Don't."

He doesn’t stop. "—wanted to tell you how beautiful I think you look tonight."

I look at my hands in my lap as I spin my ring. "Thank you."

"So what happened the other day?"

Shit. "Nothing."

"Sarah—"

I glare at him, relieved when I see Brian and Christine behind him. "Excuse me," I say getting up.

He grabs my wrist. My mouth drops as I stare at his hand. When he doesn’t let go, I look at him. My brows are raised, and he's chewing the corner of his lips. I know what he wants. I can still read his facial expressions. He wants me to let him in. As much as part of me will always want to, I'm smart enough to know how it would all end. I shake my head, and he drops his hand. I hurry towards Brian and Christine, not expecting Will to follow me. I suck in a breath when I feel his hand on the small of my back as he comes to stand next to me.

I try to ignore it. "Brian, Christine, I am so sorry about the other day."

Brian leans into me and kisses my cheek. "Don’t worry about it."

Christine pulls me into a hug. "Are you feeling better?"

I nod. "I am, thank you."

Brian looks at Will next to me and gives him a look. Will shrugs. I'm rescued, though, by Christine as she takes my hand to take me around the room to introduce me to her family. Her parents are divorced and both remarried. They seem to get along well enough, and I quickly shake their hands and say hello. Christine's maternal grandmother is also here and wastes no time asking if Will is my boyfriend.