Page 112 of Wine & Whiskey
“Very good, ma’am. I’ll bring it out.”
“Thank you.”
Evan raises his eyebrows before smiling at her. “What, no wine? That’s not like you.”
She looks down and smooths her skirt, trying to avoid his gaze. Acting is one thing, but lying has never been one of her strengths. He knows her too well and wouldn’t be fooled if she tries. “It’s no big deal. I’m thirsty and water sounds good.”
He nods, but seems unconvinced. “So, best man and maid of honor. How did we get roped into this?”
“Lucky, I guess.”
“At least your title has some royal finesse to it.” He leans back in his chair and points to his chest. “I’m the best. Do you know how much pressure I’m under?”
She giggles at his exaggerated stress. “Yes, but you don’t have to deal with girl drama. What if her hair won’t stay up, or the cake falls over? That’s all on me.”
“Yeah, all I have to do is make sure he shows up and stands up.”
The clinking of metal on glass ends everyone’s conversations. Nathan’s dad stands at the head of the table, his face bright with happiness. “I want to welcome everyone to…”
Her focus drifts to Carrie as he talks. She’s always been naturally pretty—dirty blonde with a few highlights to accent her golden streaks, blue eyes, athletic build, a genuine California girl. But, tonight, holding hands with Nathan, surrounded by their families, she absolutely glows. True love in its purest form.
A champagne flute appears in front of her. “…so please join me in toasting Nathan and Carrie. We wish you many happy years together.”
She raises her glass and lowers it down, almost whimpering while everyone else takes a drink. Why is it when you can’t have something, you crave it the most?
Evan tips his head toward hers and whispers out of the side of his mouth. “Now I know something’s wrong when you don’t drink champagne. What’s going on?”
Before she can answer, the waiter returns, standing between them. “Your host has ordered a variety of sushi and sashimi for the table. Please mark the card in front of you as to which selections you prefer.”
She leans in close, whispering to avoid drawing attention to herself. “I can’t have anything raw. Do you have another selection available?”
“Our special this evening is an excellent grilled salmon.”
“Yes, please I’ll have that. Thank you.”
Her pulse races as Evan stares at her, his brow furrowed in concentration. He starts to say something, but changes his mind. Maybe she’s safe. Then, his eyes widen as the light bulb flickers on.
“Does he know?”
Maybe not. Goose bumps rise on her arms. “Does who know what?”
“Does Nick know you’re pregnant?”
Fire races through her as she shakes her head, giving him a small smile, trying to feign innocence, hoping to squelch the certainty radiating from him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Come on, Shae. The alcohol and the sushi? I’m not stupid.”
She grasps his arm and squeezes the twitching muscle. All her self-control not to melt into a crying mess hinges on his cooperation. “Please don’t say anything. This is Carrie and Nathan’s night. I don’t want anything to ruin it.”
He covers her hand with his, trying to entwine their fingers. “I would never do that to them or you. I just want to help.”
Pulling her hand away, she takes a shaky breath. “Okay. Thank you.”
Throughout the meal, they remain silent with each other, speaking only to the other guests around them. Yet, his sidelong glances reveal his continued curiosity. The surreal quality of her life increases exponentially to be pregnant and the father not know it while her friends and former fiancé do. When did her life turn into a trashy talk show?
Hopeful no one notices, she swipes a curlicue of chocolate sauce off her plate during the final course. Evan’s deep laugh lets her know she’s been caught. “It’s good to know some things never change.”
She giggles too and shrugs her shoulders. “I don’t want to be wasteful.”
