Page 73 of Four Weddings to Fall in Love
Fortunately, Iris changes the topic.Her grandmother’s birthday is coming up, and apparently, she wants a “big bash,” so we talk about that for a while before I head to the washroom.On the way back to the patio, I stop to look at the food specials on the chalkboard behind the bar.I don’t remember those in the online menu, but maybe they were there—I was more focused on the drinks than the food when I looked at it.
“Hey.”
I turn my head and see a white guy wearing an easy smile and a black dress shirt.
“Hi,” I squeak, uncharacteristically frazzled.When an attractive guy says hello to me at a bar, I’m usually more on my game.And this guy is attractive, but I don’tfeelanything.
I don’t feel any lust, I mean.
“I have a boyfriend.”I say the words in a rush.“Really, I do, I’m not lying.”Then I make my escape to the patio, where I immediately pull up the drinks menu and consider what to get next.It’s a bit hard when my eyes are barely making sense of the words, though.
One-night stands and casual sex would be so much easier.Yes, you have to be careful about your safety, but emotionally, they’re simpler.Your lives don’t get tangled together.You don’t look forward to every little conversation.You don’t obsessively check your phone to see if he saw the photo you sent him earlier.
I wish I could go back to being the woman I was a few months ago.I don’t like feeling this torn up inside.I think of Max texting me aboutChu’s Restaurant…and I turn warm and gooey.
These sorts of feelings are dangerous.They make you put up with nonsense that you shouldn’t tolerate, all in the name of love.
Iris leans forward and touches my wrist.“Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.Just fine.”
She sees straight through that lie.“I once thought long-term relationships were miserable and never wanted that for myself.But I met the right person—and realized the truth about the marriages in my family—and that changed.”
I’m not Iris, though.I’m not sure that’s possible for me.
My phone buzzes.I take a quick peak.
Very nice,Max says.Your tits look great in that top.
I love when he’s a little vulgar, and I know he’s using that language because he’s aware I like it, which is…
Yeah, I’d definitely rather sleep with him than a random dude I met at a bar.
Save that thought for later,I type.Can’t wait to see you when you get back.
I put my phone away and return my attention to Iris.But at the back of my mind, I can’t help wishing that I hadn’t made my life so damn complicated.
Chapter 27
Max
Thedetectiveisthemurderer.I’m almost positive.But—
“Hey, Max,” Jon says cheerfully, approaching the lake in his swim trunks, towel slung over his shoulders.“Whatcha doing?”
“What does it look like I’m doing?”There’s a book in my hand.It’s pretty obvious.
On the Muskoka chair next to me, Leo—who’s been doodling—chuckles.
Jon grabs my book.He’s always cared more about annoying me than anyone else, for some mysterious reason.“I read this one.”
“I wasn’t aware that you knew how to read.”
He barks out a laugh.“I’ll leave you to it.”And with that, he tosses the book on my lap, sets his towel on the dock, and jumps in the lake.
I’m just glad he didn’t spoil the ending for me.He did that once, years ago, and I haven’t forgiven him.
I return my attention to the page, and my suspicions about the murderer are soon confirmed.When I finish the book, Jon is still in the water, Leo is dozing beside me, and the sun is partially hidden by the clouds.
