Page 12 of Our Way Back

She hugs me again. From the corner of my eye, I see Karina shift in her seat, and I wonder about the type of relationship she has with her mother-in-law.

Lydia is her mother-in-law.

The thought is sour and causes my face to scrunch in annoyance.

“Hi, Lydia, it’s great to see you.” She hugs me once more before letting me go and makes her way around the table. She greets my family while working her way around. Once she reaches Dean, she leans down to press a kiss to his cheek. “Hi son, you look so handsome.” She wipes her nude lipstick off his cheek.

“Hello, Karina.” Lydia takes her seat, jumping back into conversation with me.Weird.I guess she doesn’t have much of a relationship with Karina.

“Camille, I heard you moved back. To be honest, I was a little hurt that you never stopped by to see me. I’m still next door to your parents, you know,” she half-heartedly scolds me, and I instantly feel like a child. “I understand that you have a lot going on and may feel a little weird coming over. But keep in mind, it’s still your home too.”

Lydia always told me growing up that her house was just as much mine as it was Dean’s. Even when his father was alive, he said the same thing. I told Lydia I was pregnant before I even told my own mother. I’d been too scared to tell my parents, so I’d called Lydia to tell her right after I told Spencer. She was even there holding my hand when I told my parents.

Mom and Lydia are best friends; they call themselves long-lost sisters. I know I’ve been horrible by not visiting Lydia, especially after Paul passed away, but that house has too many memories. It’s been hard enough for me to even go to my parents’ house, my childhood home.

“Lydia, I’m so sorry. Please, forgive me for being horrible.” I extend my hand across the table and place it on top of hers.

She cuts the air with her free hand. “I’ll forgive you if you let me take you for lunch sometime. I miss you, the daughter I never had.” My heart aches. I agree to lunch and promise to respond to her calls and texts.

The entire time I speak with Lydia, I take notice of the subtle shifts in Karina’s demeanor, but I refuse to speak to her.

My jealousy will not allow me to.

“I didn’t realize Dean and Camille were so close,” Karina says to no one in particular.

“Those two were inseparable as kids. Our parents had to turn one of our guest rooms into a room for Dean because he was over so often. Going back home next door was too much distance for these two,” Spencer says with a giggle, sipping from her glass of wine. Based on her giggle, I can tell she's tipsy.Great.Her lips get too fucking loose when she's drunk. If I'm not careful, she'll spill all my secrets to Karina.

“These two didn’t understand whatcalling it a nightmeant. Camille has a permanent room at my house,” Lydia says happily, with a smile that brightens her eyes.

“Well, that room won’t be hers for long. Eventually you’ll want to turn it into a nursery for Dean and me once we have a baby,” Karina says, and I nearly choke on my wine. Spencer has to pat my back while she suppresses a laugh.

Karina is Dean’s wife.

Dean and Karina.

They’re married.

I can’t wrap my head around it even when it’s being thrown in my face.

The table becomes silent, and Karina and Dean exchange a look, although the meaning isn’t clear to me. She’s clearly uncomfortable and maybe even a little offended. She isn't aware of thedepthinside those years of history between us, but it's not my place to tell her.

Calling what we had a “friendship” doesn’t seem like enough. We were more than friends. We were always more than friends.

“So Dean, tell us, any new projects coming up?” Dad asks in an attempt to relieve the tension at our table, and I’m grateful for his ability to read the room. Dean begins explaining how he’s opened a second architecture firm in Seattle, his first being in London, and how his company, CDJ Designs, will be taking over the projects for Lawson Design Firm.

For the second time tonight, I choke on my wine from yet another bombshell being dropped on me, earning a look from everyone at the table. Taking my napkin, I dab away at the corners of my mouth to clean any lingering wine. “You’re taking over Lawson Design Firm?” I ask, my brows pulling together in a scowl.

Dean nods. Judging by the smug expression on his lips, he’s already aware of the point I’m getting at.

“Yes, I did take over their client list. And I do believe that you and I will be working together starting Monday.”

“Dean, what are you talking about?” Lydia touches his shoulder.

“What he means is that he’s my architect. I’m opening a second store here. Actually, I’m moving my headquarters here. And Dean's company is apparently designing my building now,” I explain, my eyes never once leaving his. In my peripheral, I see the way Karina’s eyes widen.

“Oh, that’s wonderful! Dean will design you the perfect building.” I can only nod, knowing Lydia is right. I trust Dean fully with my building’s design. He may not be happy to see me, but I know that he'll make my plan a reality, especially since it's important to not only me, but to him as well. At least it used to be…

“CDJ Designs, that’s an interesting name. How did you come up with it?” I question, shooting him daggers from across the table.

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