Page 23 of Surrendering the Skies

She felt a twinge of sympathy for the obviously flustered woman. “I’m not sure what else there is to understand. But I’m glad he came clean with you.”

Adele’s eyes flicked upward. “He did share that the two of you argued about his…omitting some details.” The corners of her mouth turned down in a deep frown. “I’m not upset about whatever happened before he met me, because who hasn’t glossed over parts of the past here and there? I’m upset because he wasn’t honest with me, and I don’t know why he thought he couldn’t be.”

She sipped from her glass. “I’d feel the same way.”

Another anguished noise escaped her clenched teeth. She leaned her forearms on the table and buried her face in them, her golden ringlets tumbling over them. “I just want this to work out,” she said, her voice muffled. “I thought everything was going so well, and then this came up out of nowhere.”

“I’m sure you two will figure it out.” Geneva wondered if she should reach out and offer some sort of physical comfort, then decided against it. “I can tell he cares about you, and if you still feel the same toward him, you’ll move past this incident.”

Adele propped her head up on one hand, her fingers threading through her hair. “This sounds so pathetic, but when I first moved to Pasurea for work, I barely knew anyone. I focused all my energy on proving my worth at my firm and exceling at my job, which left no time for any kind of a social life. Then once I could breathe a little easier, I had no idea where to start.”

She considered her words and nodded. “You know, we might have more in common than I originally thought.”

The first hints of a smile appeared. “So, maybe you can understand how incredible it felt when Marcus and I started dating each other. Everything clicked into place, and it was like I was finally being rewarded for all my hard work. Not only was I immeasurably happy, I started to believe I deserved to feel that way.” The smile vanished from her face. “Like I said, I’m afraid of screwing this up.”

“Well,youdidn’t do anything wrong.” She paused. “Our recent heated discussion aside, Marcus is a good person. But I don’t think you need me to tell you so.”

“There’s more, though.” Adele glanced to the side. “Another reason why you were the only person I felt I could talk to.”

Her eyebrow shot up. “Oh?”

“Again, I can’t believe I’m saying this out loud.” She ducked her head and exhaled then straightened, though she continued to avoid eye contact. “Now that I know he’s been with another man, I’m worried there are things I can’t give him, and I’ll always be wondering if he thinks he’s missing out on something.”

“Huh.” Geneva rubbed her chin. “Considering our circumstances and how I was always there with them, I have to tell you, the thought never crossed my mind.”

“I mean, you were one thing. Despite my insecurities, I figured I could contend with an ex-girlfriend. After all, it’s not like I assumed I was the first woman he’d ever been with.”

She snorted. “Glad to hear you don’t consider me stiff competition.”

“Oh!” Her eyes widened. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to come across as—”

“Never mind.” She waved her off with one hand. “You were saying?”

Adele fiddled with her necklace again, twisting the beaded strand so hard, Geneva thought she might snap it. “I thought I could be everything for him,” she said softly. “But now I’m afraid I’ll never be enough.”

She chewed on her bottom lip. “It sounds like you came to me for reassurance, and I don’t know if I can tell you what you want to hear,” she said after an elapsed silence. “All I can say is Marcus is a grown man who can make his own decisions, and, right now, he’s choosing to be with you.”

“Thanks.” She finally met her gaze. “If it’s the best I’m going to get, I’ll just have to trust in your wise words.”

“I’m not sure how wise they are, but I sincerely hope it all works out for you.” Geneva offered what she hoped was a gracious smile. “Now, should we see about ordering some food?”

“Of course.” Instead of flagging down the waiter, Adele leaned over the table. “I have one more question, though.”

“Yes?”

Her voice dropped to a whisper. “What was it like, seeing the two of them together?”

The question caught her off guard, and heat flooded her cheeks. She took a long sip of her ice water as she debated what sort of answer to give. Sincerity won out once more. “It’s amazing. Hotter than I ever could have imagined.”

She nodded, her curls bouncing on her shoulders. “How did it even happen, if you don’t mind me asking? As I mentioned earlier, these topics are brand-new territory for me.”

“That’s more than one more question,” Geneva said, chuckling. “Honestly? I made an offhand comment after having a glass of wine, and one thing led to another.” A wistful smile curved her lips as she leaned back in her chair. “But afterward, we always made sure to be open and truthful with each other. Which is the best advice I can give to you.”

“I do appreciate everything you’ve shared with me.” Adele’s brow creased. “I know it’s not my place, but I hope you patch things up with Marcus, too.”

“We’ll get there eventually.” Shifting in her seat, she wrinkled her nose. “I’ve always had a bit of a temper, which he’s aware of. I’m not proud of it, and I try not to make excuses, but it’s a work in progress.”

“I won’t force either of you to do anything, but maybe you can find some time for him, too, before you have to return to your ship.” Her expression brightened. “In the meantime, I think we’d better place our order before the staff asks us to leave.”

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