Page 11 of An Engagement Pact

“You sadly bore the brunt of a few unfortunate tiles,” Lance says, his hazel eyes and mobile mouth both laughing warmly. He really is a very attractive man in a breezy, intelligent way. And he openly adores his wife.

I always believed Savannah was kind of like me. Smart, hardworking, attractive enough, but not one of those people perpetually favored by life. More often struggling than endowed with blessings. Some people are like that. Working hard to do little more than get by. I’ve always been that way, and I thought Savannah was too.

But she hit the jackpot in the husband department. I’m happy for her.

And a little bit jealous at the same time.

Maybe I’m bitter and pessimistic, but I prefer to call myself a realist. I know damn well that nothing so good is ever going to happen to me.

“Uh-huh,” Savannah says, leaning back into his embrace.

“Not my fault at all.”

“Of course it’s not.”

I smile and turn away, fighting against a pang of sharp sadness.

I don’t want Lance. And I don’t resent Savannah for finally getting something good after a life that hasn’t been easy.

But I’ve never known love like that, and I doubt I ever will.

Some people simply aren’t built for it. I’m one of those people.

I shake off my self-pity since I know perfectly well it accomplishes nothing. I have nothing to complain about after all. I have family who have very generously helped me out. I have a job with benefits that pays a reasonable amount for the required responsibilities. I have a college degree thanks to a scholarship that a lot of other people didn’t get. And I have plans for a secure future and a clear path to get there.

Plus I have had a windfall that basically fell from the sky. A large amount of money for doing very little.

I’ve been luckier than I dreamed of when I was a kid. I don’t need everything to be happy.

Thanks to my mental pep talk, I’m back to my normal practical frame of mind. I can watch the progress of the Scrabble game and smile about the teasing rivalry without feeling sorry for myself again.

In fact, I get so diverted that I’m surprised when I hear the doorbell ring.

“There he is,” Savannah says, looking up from the board with a smile at me. “Right on time.”

I flush for no good reason and go answer the door.

Dan is standing on the front stoop, wearing well-tailored gray trousers and an expensive blue button-down shirt. He’s smiling in a slightly self-deprecating way and holding a small bouquet of pretty poppies.

“Hey,” he says, handing me the flowers. “You look beautiful.”

My cheeks grow even warmer as I accept the bouquet. The flowers are distinct and unexpected and lovely in a wild, natural way. “Thank you. This is gorgeous. You really didn’t have to.”

“Of course I did.” His eyes had lowered briefly, but now he lifts his gaze slowly to meet mine. “We’re falling in love after all. Aren’t we?”

Shit, I have got to stop all this blushing. It’s ridiculous and not at all like me. “Uh, yeah. I guess we’re supposed to be. Come on in. I’ll put these in a vase so they stay nice.”

Dan comes in and greets the others in a relaxed, friendly manner. He asks about the progress of their Scrabble game while Savannah gives a pointed look at his clothes and then shoots me a victorious smile.

She was right about his outfit. And my own outfit matches his just right.

I arrange the poppies in a vase as I listen to the conversation. Jim asks Dan about his work, and then Esther asks where we’re going to eat dinner.

“Marco’s,” Dan answers.

“Oh, that’s my favorite restaurant!” Savannah’s face has brightened. “Have you been there, Vicky?”

“No, I haven’t. Where is it? I don’t think I’ve ever noticed it in town.”

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