Page 71 of Playful Kris

Which could be awkward when someone takes a chunk out of Ruby’s face later.

I take myself around the room until I find my table.

Thankfully, I’m with Kris’ mom, so I have someone to chat with while I wait for the wedding party to arrive. I’m sure they’re off taking their photos with the photographer.

“I’m so glad you came this weekend, Kameron. I hope you’ve had a good time.” Bridget tells me, taking the glass of wine offered to her from a server.

I take one as well. “Me too. It’s been a nice weekend,” I answer, honestly.

Granted, it’s had its ups and downs for sure.

“A little birdy told me you put Kurt’s little hooker in her place last night.”

I nearly choke on my wine, and begin coughing. She smiles wider.

“Who told you that?” I question, grabbing a napkin and patting my lips dry.

Thank God my dress is black tonight, you know in case of any more accidental spills.

“Oh, I have my ways." She giggles. “Kris may not speak to me much, but Kaleb tells me a lot. I’ve grown quite close to Ruby, also.”

“That makes me sad,” I blurt out before realizing what I’ve done.

“What does?”

“That Kris doesn’t talk to you very much.” I pick my wine up again, needing a distraction from my word vomit.

“Oh, we’ll work through it, eventually. He blames me for a lot of things, and he isn’t wrong in placing his blame on me either.” She sighs, setting her glass down before staring at me. “I wasn’t always the best mother, and I made a lot of choices that weren’t the most beneficial for my boys back then. All I can do now is tell him I’m sorry, and that I want to make things right.”

I nod.

“Things were hard, but at some point, I basically stopped living. Other than work and sleep, I really didn’t do anything. It wasn’t until Kris was in college that I realized my depression had gotten that bad.” She smiles at her date.

“I know that had to be so hard.” I couldn’t imagine my husband leaving me and not being sure how to provide for my kids.

“I’m not proud of it, and I missed a lot of years with my boys, but I’m working on it.” She studies me. “You’re good for him, you know."

My mouth parts.

“He loves you.”

“Oh, no.” I shake my head, giggling uncontrollably because I’m uncomfortable. “We’re just old acquaintances.”

As if he knew we were talking about him, he shows up behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders. “There you are.” He smiles down at me when I lift my head up to look at him. “Can you come with me? I asked the photographer to snap a picture of the two of us. Thought it would be a fun memory for your memory box.”

My chest tightens again. He remembered my memory box.

I’ve had it since I was a little girl, and I only put things that I want to remember forever inside.

“Okay.” I gently push my chair back and stand, making eye contact with his mom who winks at me.

Kris’ hand moves to the small of my back as I let him lead me through the room to where the photographer is waiting for us.

We pose just as the photographer tells us, and when she tells us to look into each other's eyes, I’m shocked at the smile that greets me from Kris.

I’m not sure if he’s in love with me.

But I’m pretty damn sure I’m in love with him.

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