Page 54 of Just One Kiss

She’d let him pay for this month of their life because he’d missed so many previous months, and then, once Jaden was on the mend, she’d welcome a life that was back to the way it was before Josh showed up in Jaden’s hospital room only days before.

A life without memories that invaded her mind without permission.

That’s what she needed most of all.

14

Once Jaden’s surgery had been scheduled, Grady and Quinn graciously moved up the date of their engagement party, knowing it would be much more difficult for her and Jaden to attend in the few weeks after his procedure.

It was so thoughtful of her sister, but if she was honest, Carly didn’t feel much like going out tonight. She’d finished her final day of work before her Josh-imposed vacation, something Dara hadn’t been particularly happy about, and she kind of wanted to go home, change into something comfortable and watch Netflix.

This was becoming a trend. Maybe because she’d gotten comfortable with her life the way it had been? Why was everything so complicated now?

Instead, she was curling her hair and slipping into a red cocktail dress and wondering why she’d asked David to go with her to the party.

Maybe it had been a moment of weakness, of not wanting to show up dateless to her little sister’s engagement party. Or maybe she wanted to prove to herself that Josh did not have a monopoly on her heart.

But now, given the nerves dancing around in her belly, she wondered if she’d made a mistake.

Quinn and Grady seemed to be fast-tracking their wedding plans, which didn’t really surprise Carly. Quinn had told her they simply saw no reason for a long engagement.

“It’s like Billy Crystal says inWhen Harry Met Sally,” she’d said. “When you find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with—”

“You want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible,” Carly cut in. “I know.”

Quinn shook her head. “You’re so cynical, big sister.”

Carly rolled her eyes. If Quinn had lived Carly’s life, she’d understand.

“Don’t do that,” Quinn said. “Maybe this doctor is the one.”

The one.The elusiveone.Carly didn’t believe that there was one person out there for everyone—not anymore. Maybe once upon a time she’d been that naïve, but life had taught her that some people are simply made to be alone.

She just never thought she would be one of them.

“Jaden, you’re sure you’re okay to meet me at the party?” she called up the stairs.

“I’m sure,” her son hollered. “No way I’m going with you and the doctor. That’s just weird.”

Carly saw David’s car pull up in front of the house, and she hurried outside as he exited the vehicle.

He met her on the sidewalk.

“Hey,” she said.

He smiled. “Hi. You look very nice tonight.”

“Thanks, David.”

“Listen, Carly, I wanted to apologize. I realize my invitation to go on the boat the other day may have seemed insensitive. I was thinking it would give you something to look forward to, but I think it came across as a bit callous. I deal with this every day, but I know you don’t, and I know Jaden is your son. I’ll respect your feelings as you work through everything.”

After a surprised pause, Carly shifted. “I appreciate that.”

“And I’m glad you didn’t cancel on me tonight because of my stupidity.”

She forced a smile, feeling guilty about the number of times she’d nearly called the whole thing off.

After all, she hadn’t exactly thought this through. She’d have to introduce David to her family. She’d have to answer questions about who he was and about the nature of their relationship. She’d have to stick by his side all night because he wouldn’t know many people, and that was the polite thing to do.

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