Page 67 of Even Ground

“Pania?”

Dazed, I meet Sam’s gaze. “Sorry?”

“Stories about the wedding?”

“Oh.” I shrug. “It was beautiful, and there were so many famous people, but I mainly stuck around Delaney and her daughter. I don’t really have any stories.”

Sam screws up her nose. “Stink. Never mind. Want to go for lunch together? If you’ve got any close-ups of that dress, I’d love to see them. My sister’s getting married in a few months, and she’s got a similar figure to Delaney. And she’s got a big thing for Josh Carter.”

I’m not sure this is really a good idea. But my best friend is half a world away, and after my run in with Judith, maybe lunch with a friendly face would be a good idea.

“Sure. Sounds good. I have a ton of photos of the dress.”

* * *

Judith says nothing more all morning, but she’s not an easy person to read.

I’m still relieved when it gets to lunchtime, and Sam and I make our way across the road to the seats on the berm opposite the building. It’s not the ideal lunch spot, but it gets us outside for a while.

I eat my leftovers from last night while Sam polishes off her sandwiches, and then I pull out my phone to show her the photos.

I flick through the pictures of the dress. I took photos well before the wedding, so there aren’t any personal moments in them. And I know to stop when I hit photos of my own dress.

“Wow. Looks amazing. They just look so much in love. It’s so sweet.”

I lock my phone and put it down. “They really are.”

She smiles wistfully. “That’s awesome. It’s so weird when you see celebrities and there are stories about them, and you never know what to believe.”

I rub my forehead. “Probably none of them.”

Sam laughs. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

My phone buzzes. I pick it up and swipe to open.

Reece: Hope your day goes well. I’m on the set of our new movie and bored.

My lips twitch.

Me: Bored enough to text me.

Reece: You answer. Josh and Delaney might have finished their honeymoon, but they’re still tucked away together. So boring.

Me: Nice to know I’m third on your list to contact, then.

Sam nudges my arm. “We should get back.”

I look up and blink a few times. “What’s the time?”

“Nearly one. I don’t want to get the evil death stare.”

Laughing, I drop my phone in my bag and stand. “Fair point. Though I’m told I’m pretty good at those too.”

She shivers. “Judith scares me.”

“She’s just a person. Don’t let her intimidate you. We’re paying to study here.”

Her eyes widen. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

---