Page 51 of Zane

“I don’t think I should get any pets until things are a bit more settled.” Though there was something appealing about having something to cuddle with, that needed her care and attention.

“I guess that’s probably a good idea. But if you change your mind, you know who to come to.”

Kelsey smiled. “I’ll definitely keep that in mind.”

“Anyway, I came up to let you know dinner will be in about an hour.”

“I’m not going to be there,” Kelsey said.

Rori’s brows rose, and she crossed her arms. “Why not?”

“To be honest, I don’t feel comfortable in a group setting with this family.”

Rori frowned. “I know it can be difficult to get to know so many people. It was a bit overwhelming for me, too.”

“But you had Lee,” Kelsey said.

Rori’s gaze dropped for a moment, then she looked back at Kelsey with a nod. “Yes. I did.”

“I don’t have that connection. A reason to be part of these gatherings.”

“I understand that, but you’ll never connect with them if you don’t try,” Rori said. “And I’ll be there too. I can be your connection. We’re friends, right?”

Kelsey didn’t mean to hesitate, but she did, and her hesitation brought a look of hurt to Rori’s face. “Yes. We’re friends.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am,” Kelsey said. “It’s just I don’t have a lot of friends, and my best friend got mad at me when Zane and I eloped and then decided to move to Tampa. I agreed to all of that without discussing it with her, and it made her mad, and she’s stopped talking to me.”

“I haven’t had a lot of friends either,” Rori said. “I’ve made a few good ones since coming here, but I know that friendship can be a tricky thing. Just know I’ve got your back.”

“Thank you. I appreciate that. I’ve got your back too.”

“So come to dinner, and we’ll stick together. If you can’t be there as Zane’s wife, you can be there as my friend.”

Kelsey considered it. Going would give her the opportunity to spend more time around Zane. But if he ignored her, that wouldhurt. Every time she stepped foot into a situation where Zane was present, the potential for pain was high.

It had been fine earlier at the store, but that didn’t guarantee the evening would be as well.

“Please come, Kelsey,” Rori said. “You need to show the Halversons that you’re willing to endure awkward situations for Zane’s sake. For the sake of your marriage. I know it’s not easy, but I think it’s necessary.”

Kelsey knew that Rori was right. But after so much hurt, it was hard to keep putting herself out there. Plus, though she hadn’t mentioned it to Rori, it hurt to be around happy, affectionate couples. It was a painful reminder of what she’d had and lost, and what she might never have again.

“Okay. I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

Rori smiled broadly, then gave Kelsey a quick hug. “I’m happy you’re coming. See you in a few.”

Kelsey closed the door, then stood there for a moment, hoping she hadn’t made a mistake. But she couldn’t back out now, so she spent the time as she was getting ready psyching herself up for dinner with the in-laws.

After a brief debate with herself, Kelsey decided to change her clothes. She’d dressed for comfort earlier, but now it felt like she needed to dress to impress.

She took a few minutes to look through her clothes before settling on a sundress, since it was a warm day. It was a dress that she’d bought when Zane had gone shopping with her. He’d made comments on each of the outfits she’d tried on, and finally, he’d declared that one to be his favorite.

It was a light, flowy dress with a fitted bodice, a sweetheart neckline, and wide shoulder straps. The skirt floated just aboveher knees, and Zane had said that shade of light blue had looked good with her eyes.

Was she hoping to jog Zane’s memory by showing up in a dress he’d had a hand in choosing? Sure. But also, she had only ever had positive memories in this dress. Zane had complimented her every time she’d worn it, telling her how beautiful she looked.

After putting it on, she realized it was a little looser than the last time she’d worn it. However, if she kept eating chocolate bars and ice cream, she’d probably have the opposite problem soon.

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