Page 67 of David's Chase

“I liked how he was. He thought life was perfect and nothing bad could happen. His heart was pure, and his intentions were honorable. There was a hint of innocence in him he has since lost.”

My eyes almost tear up as I realize how accurate his description of himself really is.

His smile tells me he’s at peace with it right now, and Iwish I had something to do with it.

Maybe I had.

Leaning back, I slide into the shadow so he can’t read my eyes while he continues.

“He used all the money that he had to buy her this gift andcouldn’t wait to witness the reaction on her face,” he says, his hand sliding off mine.

He runs his fingers through his hair, his smile fading away like a wilted flower.

“What he didn’t know…” he says, shifting his eyes to me, “was that he’d bought it for the wrong woman.”

Oh… Is this what I think it is? Is he saying what I think he’s saying?

No. I don’t think so.

Maybe she wasn’t the right woman for him, but just because he offered me her dress doesn’t mean I’m replacing her.

Plus, their story wasn’t that good, was it? So, no. I’m just benefiting from something that went bust whenever it went bust.

“That’s why I kept the gift,” he adds, straightening in his seat while the car steers onto the street leading to his place.

“It was because of him, not her,” he murmurs, looking out the window as if that can satisfy the unanswered questions in my head.

12

LIZ

The room smellslike spicy cologne when I walk in wrapped in a plush white robe, wearing black underwear, and having my hair and makeup done.

Even without wearing fancy clothes, I make an impression on him.

He lifts his eyes from his phone and arches an eyebrow before depositing it in his pocket.

He wears a black fitted suit, a black dress shirt, and black shoes. His eyes look bluer than ever.

“Ready?” he asks, giving me a swift once-over.

I nod a couple of times.

He pivots slightly and removes a garment bag and a shoe box from the walk-in closet.

“I also bought a pair of shoes. Maybe you want to try them out.”

The box held up well, considering how much time had passed since he had bought it, not to consider how many times it had been moved around.

He puts it to the side while I shift my focus to the garment bag.

I’m nervous, to be honest.

What if I wear something truly dated?

Some monstrosity from ten or fifteen years ago.

This purchase had been made before his marriage.

---