Page 26 of Something Blue

Sadie

Sadie’s heart thumped as she swam closer to Chase. By the time the water nicked at the back of her knees, she was practically running.

He waved and then scooped her into a hug when she was close enough. At six foot three, he towered over her. “It’s been a while, huh?”

“Sorry I’m all wet,” she said, glancing down at the wet stain spreading across his tank top.

Chase lifted her chin and smiled. “A little water never hurt. You doing okay?”

Looking into his charming face brought too many memories to the surface. What had she been thinking?

She gulped and studied his tanned skin. “How are you so brown? It’s not like Michigan has a ton of sun in May.”

He held up his hands. “Caught me. Mom runs a new beauty salon with a tanning bed, and I get first dibs. Plus, I don’t want to come looking as pasty as you.”

She slapped his arm playfully. Some things never changed.

His face grew serious. “I’m sorry I couldn’t come to your mom’s funeral. I know I said it over the phone, but I really miss her. Seeing you without her seems weird.”

Her throat tightened. She’d known these kinds of responses were coming, but his soft voice caught her off guard. “She would’ve loved to come to your wedding.”

His face flickered with an emotion she couldn’t place. “Did you come with anyone this year?”

“Actually, I—”

“Hi,” Andy said, coming up behind her. He slipped an arm around her waist. “I’m Sadie’s fiancé.”

Fiancé? When had they discussed that? She glared at him.

Chase looked as taken back as she felt. “You’re engaged? By the looks of your social media, I didn’t think you were dating.” His voice sounded half shocked, half unbelieving.

“Yeah, I don’t post much about my personal life.” Which was true. There were too many crazies out there. “We’ve been dating on and off for two years, but recently decided to get more serious.”

“Nice to meet you,” Chase mumbled, shaking Andy’s hand. “You have a great girl.”

Andy’s arm tightened around her, making her blood boil. “Seems like congratulations are in order. Sadie told me you’re getting married.”

Sadie glanced sideways at Chase as he nodded. “Yep, it’s a long time coming.”

Her blood curdled as Piper came walking toward them.

“Hi, Sadie! I see you’re not alone this year.”

Andy introduced himself as her fiancé, except this time it didn’t make Sadie as upset. He wrapped his arm firmly around her waist, giving her side a reassuring squeeze.

“Engaged? Someone wants to marry our sweet, big-town city girl?” Piper’s voice was sugary-sweet as she met Sadie’s eyes.

He tightened his grip around her, leading her in the direction of their chairs. “Yep, someone’s got to tie this one down. We’re going to go dry off a bit.”

“See you around,” Sadie said, turning her neck. Andy continued to push her away from the couple who were now talking in whispers.

“What are you doing?” she hissed quietly. “I was talking.”

Andy rolled his eyes and plopped down in his chair. “You want to show him what he’s missing, right? Look at his face and see if we’ve succeeded.”

Sadie whipped around. Chase and Piper were looking their way with shocked faces. She forced a smile. “I guess you’re right.”

Instead of the satisfied grin she expected from Andy, he wore a scowl.

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