Page 77 of Embers of Torment

"Can we get the chipotle tri-tip and the grilled Mediterranean chicken kabobs?" the man asked.

"Absolutely." Adam assembled the two plates and set them on the table while the woman assisting Theo collected the customer's payment. He looked relieved when another helper slipped into the tent and joined Theo at the grill. "Cool. Alma's here, so I can go." Adam pulled off his gloves and tossed them in the trash. He sidled up next to Theo. "Hey, I'll be back later. I'm going to walk around with Jace."

Theo nodded and muttered something as Adam skirted around a group of ice chests to join me in front of the booth.

"What happened? You told me you couldn't come today?"Adam said, stepping out of someone's way.

"Ree had to work, so she canceled our plans. You don't mind, do you?"

"I don't, but I'm sure Della will. I invited her after you said you weren't coming. She left a half hour ago to take Evie to the carousel."

"Who's Evie?"

"She's Sofie's five-year-old daughter. Della has her for the afternoon." Adam shifted his gaze in the direction of the park attraction and grimaced. "Uh-oh. If you want to hide, it's too late. Della's walking this way and just spotted you. She doesn't look happy."

I spun around to find Della glaring at me from a distance, her body stiff. She'd drawn her lips tight, and her expression was the picture of hostility. A blond, curly-haired girl wearing denim shorts and a pink Hello Kitty tee shirt held her hand.

Della turned to leave and then stopped, her hesitation making me believe she felt torn. But why? Could it be because she still had feelings for me, or was she warring with herself over making a scene in front of Sofie's daughter?

Pivoting, Della plastered the worst fake smile I'd ever seen on her face and walked toward us. The little girl gave me a shy smile, and I smiled back. Reaching us, Della stopped beside Adam and turned away, ignoring me like I didn't exist.

Adam handed Evie one of Theo's mini desserts. "Evie, this is Jace. He's a friend of mine and knows your mom."

"Hi," Evie said with a little wave.

"Hello, Evie. It's nice to meet you." I shook her hand.

"Della?" Evie's eyebrows drew together as she pulled on Della's blouse. "Is he the man that Momma said makes you sad?"

Della made a strangled sound. Then she turned to Evie, wearing another phony smile. "No one does that to me, Sweetie. I think it was a story."

"Adam," Della said, her face rigid as she spun around. "I believe you and I have something to discuss after I take Evie home."

"Uhh, okay. But—"

"It's not Adam's fault. I told him I couldn't come." I didn't want Adam rebuked for something I did, so I thought it best to explain.

Della shifted, forcing me to stare at her back. "Maybe next time you invite a guest somewhere, you'll warn me so I can choose not to come." Della bent toward Evie. "You know what, Sweetie? It's time to explore the fun zone and play in the Rings Fountain. How's that?"

"Okay," Evie said, sounding hesitant. She peeked at me over her shoulder when Della led her away.

"Della?" I called out before she'd gotten too far.

She stopped but didn't turn around.

"I miss you, and I'm sorry." I watched Della square her shoulders. Then I waited, wishing she'd say something or at least face me. But she stiffly marched toward the kid's area.

Adam placed his hand on my upper back. He looked as crushed as my heart felt. "I thought Della would budge when you said that."

"Yeah, I was hoping she would. But I guess not. This whole thing is killing me. I didn't know you could miss somebody this much. I hate myself for the way I hurt her and for dragging you into the middle of it."

"Although I would prefer not to be stuck between you guys, I can handle it. Well, so far, I've been able to. But don't try to make me pick sides. That would be too much, and I don't think I could." Adam exhaled a long breath, his shoulders slumping. "I think I'd have to choose neither of you over one of you if pressed."

"Don't worry. I wouldn't ask you to do that, and I don't want to create friction between you and Della. Honestly, I'm at a loss on what to do." I shoved my hands in my pockets and shrugged, trying to resign myself to the situation. Internally, though, I was an emotional mess. When I spotted Della, I was hopeful we could somehow bust through the barrier separating us and move forward. My heart broke seconds later when I saw her continued anger and disgust.

"Your predicament does appear rather daunting. At least, I'm sure about two things. First, I can expect to get verbally ripped to shreds by tonight. Second, I know Della still likes you even if she won't admit it. I can see it in her expression whenever someone mentions your name."

"Seriously? Because if any piece of her still cares about me, she's gotten damn good at hiding it."

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