Page 66 of One Sweet Day is Never Enough

“Thank you.” Stacey nodded and backed up against the wall.

Gia shuffled across the lawn, smiling at guests, noticing the music level was perfect for conversation and that everyone seemed to be having a great time. Servers cleared salad plates, refilled bread, and a few were already bringing out the main course. But the tips of Gia’s ears burned and her cheeks felt hot.

She nodded at guests, plastering a smile across her face.

When she reached Seth’s table, she approached casually. “Excuse me, Mr. Pederson, may I have a word with you? There’s a small matter over in the…” She looked at the store’s porch, swallowed, and allowed her voice to trail off.

Seth looked up. “Sure,” he said with an air of concern. He wouldn’t have seen Stacey yet—she was too far away. He stood and made a quick apology to the guests sitting next to him, and left his jacket to rest over the back of his chair. Clara and John glanced over, curious. Gia smiled at them and shook her head so as to reassure them.

“What is it?” Seth whispered.

Gia led the way across the lawn. “You’re not going to believe this.” Gia found she was having a hard time keeping her voice steady. But more than anything else at this point, she was concerned about the party. “Just promise me you won’t let her make a scene.”

Seth looked at Gia in confusion. “Who?”

Gia stared straight ahead. “Stacey.”

Seth’s eyes shot wide. “What?”

Gia swallowed again, nodding.

A moment later they reached the porch and Gia stopped. She nodded in Stacey’s direction.

Seth stopped short and let his gaze cross the porch. The blood drained from his face.

---