Page 37 of By Your Side

“So, I hear you’re going to the annual masquerade ball. It’s always really fun. Our entire group shares a table. The food, music, atmosphere, everything about it is pretty incredible.”

Smiling at the change in subject, I nod.

The door chimes again, but I don’t glance that way until I see Owen’s eyes widen. His gaze trained on the door before moving to glance at Raelynn.

Turning, I see a man standing in the entryway, staring at Raelynn, who is oblivious as she orders. The man is tall, taller than Owen. He’s probably the tallest man I’ve seen in real life.

“Who is that?” I whisper.

Owen looks concerned as he replies, “Cameron.”

Inhaling sharply, I eye the man who Raelynn longs for with fresh eyes.

While Owen looks rough and outdoorsy, Cameron has a white-collar vibe. His dark hair is buzzed short and he’s rocking that three-day scruff many women find attractive. His eyes carry a sadness I see reflected in the woman he can’t take his eyes off.

Glancing back at Raelynn, she still doesn’t see him staring at her, but Elise does. Her lips press into a line as she glances at Raelynn.

The entire room is frozen as Raelynn takes her coffee and muffin, turning and finally seeing him. She nearly drops her coffee but manages to hold on. Her normally glowing complexion becomes ashen, and I swear her eyes get glassy before she forces a smile on her face.

She walks forward, shoulders pressed back, chin firm and level, but something about the way she carries herself is heavy. A heaviness I recognize in myself. It’s grief.

“Hi, Cameron.” Her voice wavers a bit as she stops in front of him. “It’s been a long time.”

“It has, Rae.” His voice is low, soft.

My heart aches for her, knowing how much she still loves him and how much she still hurts.

Before they can say anything else, Raelynn’s phone rings. The relief is obvious as she excuses herself and rushes out the door.

Glancing back to where Elise stands at the counter, I don’t miss her cell phone in her hand.

The café is quiet as Cameron orders his drink to go, all eyes on him as he makes quiet conversation with Elise. There’s almost a collective whoosh as the air rushes out when he leaves.

“That was—intense,” I breathe out, turning my attention to Owen.

He nods, his eyes thoughtful. “I haven’t spoken to Cameron in a while. I wasn’t able to go to his wedding and I don’t believe in bothering people on their honeymoon, but I didn’t realize he was planning on coming to town.”

He rubs his jaw, his eyes still pensive.

Not wanting to gossip about Raelynn, I search for a new topic, but I can’t help but think about how sad she looked. “I’m going to send her a text, check in.”

He nods, waiting as I pull out my phone to type out a quick message.

Putting my cell away, I try to remember what we were talking about. Laughing, I shake my head. “I’m so sorry, I am drawing a blank on what we were saying.”

Owen clears his throat, returning his focus to me. “We were talking about the masquerade ball.”

“Right.” Pausing, I glance down at my phone. “I really hope she’s okay.”

Owen smiles at me. “She will be. Likely he’s not in town for long and then things can return to normal.”

We gather our things, agreeing to meet back at my house to do some work. I try calling Raelynn once I’m in my car, but I go straight to voicemail.

I know that Raelynn is strong, but I also know that she’s not okay running into Cameron.

twenty-two

Owen

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