Then…
Grandma turned and she and Dave hugged.
Dave smiled at me.
Then…
Three more people entered the frame.
Mom. Dad. Uncle Eddie.
Hint #5: Dave invited his entire family…
Because more people entered the frame.
His brother, who I met once.
Two cousins.
My heart then climbed into the back of my throat.
For a split second I thought this was Dave just wanting me to meet his family.
Which I had no desire to do.
Meeting someone’s family?
That was a bigno thank youon my list.
There was zero reason for me to meet any of these people.
But it was a little too late now.
I threw a smile on my face and did the cliché handshake and nod thing with everyone.
Only Grandma wanted a hug.
As did Mom.
Dad had a gleam in his eye…
My inner voice told me to run. To fake a call. To fake getting my period.
Hell, just throw myself over a table and actually get hurt.
Something… anything…
“It was right here where we met,” Dave said.
Oh, fuck me, he’s making a speech.
“Dave,” I whispered.
“Hold on,” he said.
Hint #6: There are no more hints here… I’m screwed.
“I can tell this story for hours,” Dave said. “The greatest moment of my life. Right up until this one.”