Page 57 of Just One Kiss

He shrugged. “I wanted to.”

Knowing the new wealthy Josh, whatever was in that box was probably really nice. And really expensive. He’d made a habit of spoiling Jaden over the last year and now, paying for all of her expenses for a month? No one could say he wasn’t generous with his new fortune.

“Hey, Doc, since you’re here, could I have a word?” Josh turned toward David.

David sneezed.

He put a hand on David’s shoulder and walked him away from the group. Carly followed. No way she was letting her ex talk to her date without her there.

Josh didn’t seem to mind. “I was doing a little research about Long QT Syndrome.”

Carly had been doing some research herself. And she had planned to discuss it with David later that night if an opportunity presented itself. Perhaps that was the difference between her and Josh—he didn’t wait for opportunities. He created them.

“The internet is an unreliable—ah-choo—source of information.” David squeezed the bridge of his nose.

“But I’ve read multiple stories about athletes who are competing with ICDs. It seems like an out-of-date practice—” Josh stopped as David sneezed—“to prevent high levels of physical activities simply because there’s a fear the ICD will malfunction. There were no instances where this happened, so most sports allow participation. Do you think that means Jaden might still be able to compete?”

“I’d have to do some checking myself, but Dr. Roby is one of the best,” David said. “I’d trust his judgment.” Another sneeze.

“Maybe we should find you some allergy medicine,” Carly said.

“Actually.” David sneezed again. “Maybe I should head out.” He looked at Carly through bloodshot eyes. “When it gets like this, nothing really helps.”

“Okay,” Carly said. “I’ll walk you out.”

They ducked past Josh and Jaden and walked back out into the flowerless air of the parking lot.

“I’m sorry about that,” she said. “We’re all just trying to wrap our heads around a world in which Jaden isn’t able to ski. It’s really become such a part of him.”

“I understand, but better to not ski and stay alive, right?” He laughed.

Carly didn’t.

They reached his car, and aggravation swirled inside her. David didn’t understand. Nobody did.

Except Josh.

“I’m so sorry about all the flowers,” Carly said. “My sister went a little overboard.”

He sneezed again, then held up a hand. “I’m the one who’s sorry. I really wanted to spend the evening with you and meet your family.” Another sneeze.

“Another time.”

David nodded, gave her an awkward hug and turned away in time for another sneeze. “I’ll call you.”

She waved goodbye as he got in his car and drove away.

So much for not showing up dateless.

Back inside the pavilion, just outside the community building, a DJ had started the music and a few brave souls were out on the makeshift dance floor underneath swaths of white tulle strung with white lights.

They called this the golden hour for a reason. Everything and everyone looked even more beautiful bathed in the last tinge of light as the sun took its final bow for the day.

“Is he okay?” Quinn asked when Carly returned. “I had no idea he was so allergic to flowers. How sad.”

Carly grabbed an appetizer off a tray carried by a server passing by. “Me neither.”

“Are you bummed?”

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