Page 41 of A Me and Him Thing
“Even the good parts?” Quinn asks.
“Especially those,” Ren warns.
“Look at you two. You look like you just walked off the pages of a glossy magazine.” Quinn flashes me a smile.
I glance at Ren again. His height, dark hair, and dark eyes are striking. But it’s his heart that makes me love him.
However, we are overdressed for the occasion. Most of the women are in joggers and sweatshirts. The men are in jeans and t-shirts. Quinn and Sawyer stepped it up a notch. Quinn looks adorable in a burgundy turtleneck sweaterdress that clings to her figure and highlights her baby bump. Sawyer’s wearing jeans and a button-up but no tie or belt. They’re fashionably casual.
Ren and I are certainly not fancy by any means, but we definitely stand out in a sea of joggers and lazy jeans.
Distracted by seeing Quinn, I don’t notice Sawyer approach until he speaks.
“Hi, Bree.” Sawyer grants me a polite nod.
To my surprise, he doesn’t sound angry. I mean, he doesn’t sound overjoyed either. He sounds neutral, his usual go-with-the-flow relaxed personality. Like he’s Switzerland.
I don’t think he cares whether I’m here or not, which is a good sign. It means his feelings for me are…nothing. Neither good nor bad. Neither angry nor happy. He’s moved on. So have I. Our eyes meet, and I see indifference. Indifference is about a thousand times better than the pure unadulterated anger I saw in his eyes on the day we went our separate ways.
I didn’t expect a warm welcome from him. I burned that bridge. Me. All by myself. But his calm hello is more than I expected.
However, it’s the moment when I know without a doubt that I’m totally in love with Ren. Sawyer no longer has a hold on my heart. I suspected as much, but I had to be sure. I mean, the indifferent reception helps.
I’d wondered if I was fooling myself into believing I was no longer on the rebound, telling myself lies to make myself feel better, forcing myself to fall for Ren.
No. My gut instinct has not deceived me. I’m on the right track, and my emotions are spot on. There’s no need to question myself.
“Hi, Sawyer,” I finally manage to blurt.
He nods again, then his eyes move to Ren.
Ren holds out his hand, and Sawyer grasps it as they shake firmly.
“Hi, I’m Ren Chambers.”
“Sawyer Denali. Nice to meet you.”
“You, as well.”
“Come on in,” Quinn says. “Grab a plate, and make yourselves at home.” Then under her breath she says, “I think we’re going to play a game pretty soon. Somebody save me.”
“Chin up. I think you’re in this for the long haul,” I tell her.
She sends me a funny face. “No backing out now.”
As if on cue, one of Quinn’s neighbors says, “Okay everyone, it’s time for a game.”
Michelle lives down the street. She was always friendly to me when I lived here. I’m assuming she’s the one throwing the baby shower today, which was thoughtful of her. Even though I can tell Quinn is not a fan of baby shower games. Me neither.
We all gather round as Michelle has Sawyer and Quinn sit on the loveseat. Nothing like being put on the spot. No wonder Quinn isn’t thrilled.
Sawyer pulls Quinn onto his lap, and their arms wrap around each other naturally. A few people whistle and clap, egging them on. Sawyer kisses Quinn lightly on the lips and the crowd reacts as though this is a wedding, not a baby shower. I get it. This is a celebration of life. Not just the new baby’s life, but Quinn’s life as well.
It’s a sight I won’t soon forget. I witnessed Sawyer’s longing for Quinn. Every agonizing moment. To see them both so happy is fulfilling in ways I can’t explain.
I love that my thoughts concerning them have become so healthy. It’s like a weight has been lifted. I’m no longer filled with ugly, crazed emotions. I don’t know who that person was. But I’m not her anymore.
Josie and Jordyn are being held by the Grandma Gang, clapping and laughing with the crowd, their teddy bears tucked into the crooks of their arms. So cute. I want to spend time with them, but it’s difficult with a houseful of people. Maybe later when things die down.
