Page 21 of Hard To Love

all abrupt as he was. I eyed Cassie who just screwed her lips down

then mouthed she was sorry.

“Then what’s the problem?” he asked. “He’ll be at the club

tonight. Check him out. If you fancy him, I’ll introduce you,” he

said nonchalantly. My mouth dropped in disbelief. What was with

everyone trying to stick me with their friend or brother or

whomever? I glared at Cassie, who mouthed another apology. I

shrugged, then nodded, and then avoided looking at Charlie after

that. Eventually, I excused myself to go for a walk in the garden

and get away from them for a bit. Cassie looked up at me

sympathetically. I was thankful that she got me.

When I was alone in the garden, I exhaled and leaned against the railing of the veranda, staring down at the man-made pond below. I was not alone for long.

“Hello , darling.” Matt appeared. I gasped, surprised. Then someone else spoke.

“Little stuffy in there, huh?” Daniel said, sneaking up behind me.

I glanced around. Matt was gone. “Yeah.”

“Did you enjoy your meal, at least?” he asked, leaning next to me.

“Yes.” I smiled. “Did you?”

“Yes. The lamb is always exquisite,” he said with a smile, his shoulder lightly brushing against mine. Before I was able to respond, we were interrupted.

“There you are, darling.” A red-headed woman walked out onto the veranda. “Maxwell was looking for you.” She stood separating us, forcing me to step back to avoid her hips hitting me.

“I needed a moment.” He straightened and there was a look of annoyance on his face.

“Well, hurry up.” She scowled at me as she turned to walk away.

When she was out of earshot I asked, “Wife?” chewing the inside of my cheek, waiting for an answer. Should I have expected anything less?

“Yes,” he replied, disappointed that he was caught, no less.

“Lucky girl.” I rolled my eyes and walked away.

“Lauren, wait.” He grabbed my arm. “I didn’t mean to offend you.”

“Oh, you didn’t. You just made me realize why I stopped coming here in the first place.” I shrugged free of his grasp and walked back towards the doors to the dining room. Luckily, everyone was getting ready to leave.

“There you are,” Cassie said, waving at me. “We’re going back to Charlie’s place for a bit,” she suggested.

“Uh—that’s okay. I’m not feeling well,” I lied, staring at the ground. Cassie nodded her head.

“Are you sure?” Cassie asked, taking my hand in hers.

“Yes.” I smiled.

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