Page 114 of Keep My Heart
‘Only because you didn’t like me being there.’ She rolls her eyes. ‘He said I talked too much.’
‘I miss ice fishing,’ Nick says. ‘My dad would take us every year. Brody hated it, but the rest of us liked it.’
‘Why didn’t Brody like it?’ I ask.
‘Because he’s the youngest, so he got stuck doing all the shit work.’ Nick looks over at Tom. ‘If you ever need someone to go with, let me know. If I’m in town, I’d love to get out there again.’
‘Sure, I’ll let you know.’
I like that Tom and Nick are getting along. I just wish Diane would stop giving Nick that look like she doesn’t trust him.
The night continues and people stop at our table to talk to Diane, not recognizing Nick and me until we introduce ourselves. A few people asked about Chris, but not as many as I thought would. I’m guessing word got around about the divorce and me being with Nick, which shut down any need to ask questions.
‘How about another dance?’ I ask Nick, feeling tipsy from all the wine I’ve had. I go to kiss him but miss his lips and get his cheek.
He laughs a little. ‘I think I need to get you up to bed.’
‘I feel fine.’ I stand up. ‘C’mon. I want to dance again.’
As he gets up, I feel Diane grabbing my hand. ‘Lyndsay.’
‘What?’
‘Nick’s right. You should get to bed.’
‘Why would I go to bed? It’s only ten o’clock. It’s still early and I really like this song.’
‘It’s not that great,’ she rushes to say, glancing behind me. ‘And you look really tired. You should go.’
‘I’m not tired. I’m just relaxed from all the wine.’
‘Fuck,’ Nick mutters.
‘What’s wrong?’ I ask.
I look at Diane, then Nick, and see both of them looking back at the door.
‘What are you guys—’ I stop when I see him.
It’s Chris.
Chapter 25
Nick
My blood’s boiling seeing Chris here, knowing what an ass he was to Lyndsay and knowing he’s hurting her, showing up like this. She came here to get away from him, and then he shows up, without even telling her.
He looks like shit, like an older, fatter version of himself. Girls used to think he was hot, but they wouldn’t now. How’d he let himself go like that? He used to be an athlete. He worked out all the time and had the muscles to prove it. Now he looks like a tired old man with a swollen face and a huge gut. And I think he’s losing his hair. It looks a lot thinner on top.
‘I thought you said he wasn’t coming,’ Diane says to Lyndsay.
‘He told me he wasn’t.’
‘Let’s get out of here.’ I take Lyndsay’s hand and pull on her to move.
‘No. I’m not leaving because of him.’
‘You really want to stay? You know he’s going to come over here.’
