Page 48 of Waiting for Her

She rears back, like I’ve slapped her. Which it probably feels like I have. I’ve never spoken to her that way, much less called her a name.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I already feel on edge because I know the entire country is watching my every move. She likely feels the same pressure, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t make comments on something you know nothing about.”

Her rigid stance relaxes. “That makes sense, you feel a little protective of her since you’re both being watched by so many. Just like you would one of your little sisters, probably.”

I don’t even understand where she’d come to that conclusion from what I just said, but it seems like it’s what she needs to tell herself. Still, I don’t respond.

“So, how about it? Will you come with me to the party tomorrow night?”

“I already told you I can’t. I’m going over to Cole and Mia’s to see the baby.”

“Theentirenight?”

Seriously. Why is she pushing this? Is she that dense?

“Yes. The entire night. I want to spend time with them, and it’s been a busy week. Right now, I’m in the mood to surround myself with family and quiet. The last thing I need is to be going to some office party.

“It’s just… I told my co-workers you’d be there,” she whines. “They’re going to wonder where you are, and it’s not like I can say that I forgot that you already had plans to see a baby!”

“Why would you tell them that I’d be there, then? And why can’t you tell them that?”

“Well, I figured…”

“That you’d be able to talk me into it?” I guess.

She at least has the decency to look slightly guilty. I watch as she shrugs her shoulders and flips her hair over her shoulder. “Maybe?” she says, trying for innocence.

“Another time.Maybe. Come on, Kennedy, don’t put words in my mouth, or commit me to your plans, okay? You know I don’t like plans.”

I’ve never been one to be comfortable promising I’ll be able to do anything. I don’t know why—it’s easier for me to leave my calendar open so I’m not at risk of disappointing someone if I don’t follow through with the plans. I’m sure a psychiatrist somewhere would have a field day, saying it all stems from Bri leaving me after I’d committed to her. But I’ve always been this way.

“I know, but it’s not like I’m asking you to commit to anything major. It’s just a party.”

“I don’t understand why you need me there, though.” Her persistence about this gives me an uneasy feeling, something I’ve never really had when it comes to Kennedy. Even in the very beginning when it was obvious she was looking for a relationship and I had to tell her I wasn’t interested in more, she was so understanding and calm about it that her actions right now seem like she’s done a one-eighty.

“It’s important to me, okay? Does there have to be a reason?”

“When you’re acting like this, yeah.” Because she seems desperate for me to be at this party, and I can’t figure out why. Surely there have been other work gatherings that she’s attended alone without so much as thinking of asking me to be there.

“Acting like what?” she snarks, childishly popping out a hip. Not in a cute way, either, like when Hazel does it, or even Harper.

It’s on the tip of my tongue to say what’s on my mind, but I think better of it.

It’s obvious to me she’s lying about something. Hiding the reason behind why she wants me at this party. What it is, I don’t know. It’s apparent she’s not going to admit to anything right now and, luckily, we’re interrupted when Drew calls my name from the middle of the field.

She looks his way and curls her lip like she’s pissed he interrupted our… fight, or whatever we are having. “I need to get back to work, okay? I’ll check in with you later,” I tell her, my hand lightly squeezing her shoulder before I turn and jog away, not waiting for a response. I’m aggravated and annoyed and probably need to get away before I say something I’ll regret.

With each step I take away from Kennedy, it’s easier to breathe. Which, oddly, makes that uneasy feeling of something going on with her from earlier rise to the surface once again. I’m not sure what to make of this new reaction to her.

I chance a glance at Bri to see her eyes are on me and wish I knew what she was thinking.

“Don’t leave without checking in with me first, yeah?” I yell to her, turning my body to walk backward so I can continue to see her.

She gives me a thumb’s up, and I chuckle, shaking my head before turning around once again and continue my way to Drew.

“What’s up?” I ask him when I get to him.

He’s looking down at his clipboard but doesn’t appear to really belookingat anything in particular.

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