Page 57 of Beyond the Stroke

“Another Chardonnay.”

Her assumption that I’m part of the wait staff is clear.

I stop at her table and pluck the uncorked wine bottle out of the chiller resting there.

“Certainly,” I say with a saccharine smile, refiling her a glass. Then I grab an unused glass and pour some wine in it—just asplash for me. “Cheers.” I lift mine and walk away, ignoring her gasp.

Was that rude? Maybe. But so was her assumption that anyone not dressed in Vineyard Vines should be serving her.

Wine glass in hand, I scan the room again. I’m expecting to hear his warm, resounding chuckle or see a beacon of light guiding me to him, but I got nothing. No Rory.

But then, I spot him through the window at a table on the patio. Or at least I think I do.

The man’s broad, athletic body is draped in a suit, but his shoulders are tense.

The shape of him is right, but the way he’s holding himself is all wrong.

I didn’t realize I knew that much about Rory’s body and the way he carries himself until this moment. This man’s posture is nothing like the Rory I know.

Pushing through the door, I slam back my wine before setting the empty glass on the server station as I pass by. Rory’s back is to me, so it’s his parents who see me approach first.

His mom is perfectly pressed in a cream linen dress, his dad’s salt and pepper hair and tan skin stand out against his white and blue striped shirt and coordinated baby blue blazer. They look like they’re fresh out of aSouthern Livingcatalog.

I take a moment to observe their tight, strained faces before I proceed toward their table. As I’m walking over, both of his parents’ mouth stretch with beaming smiles as their attention shifts to the brunette who has appeared on the other side of Rory.

“Daphne.” Rory’s mom’s face lights. “What a wonderful surprise!”

Still positioned behind Rory, I see his back stiffen further before he woodenly reaches for his water glass. Daphne’s alreadytaken the seat next to Rory, and with her hand coquettishly draped over his arm, she leans in closer.

From what I know about the situation, Daphne’s appearance isn’t a surprise. It’s the reason he invited me, to throw a wrench in their plans to reunite him and his ex. All he wants to do right now is focus on swimming, but his parents are making it difficult for him.

With all the stressors in my life, my van being broken into and the fact that I can barely keep myself above water with mounting bills and expenses, I wouldn’t trade it for the situation I see Rory in right now. The freedom to make choices in my life and not be beholden to others is something I set as a standard for myself when I left my old life years ago.

And the way I don’t even recognize this version of Rory is a fucking devastation. The protective instinct that urged me here tonight is now at an all-time high.

Having dealt with my own controlling parents and their manipulation, I hate seeing it happen to someone else. Most of all, I hate seeing it happen to this kind, generous man that from what I’ve seen always plays the peacemaker and does what he’s told.

The good news is that I don’t have that problem. I couldn’t care less what Rory’s parents think about me. That will make foiling their plans even sweeter.

Finally, my lingering presence is acknowledged with a hard stare from Rory’s mom. “Did you need something?” she asks, acid on her tongue.

“Oh, me?” I press my fingers into my sternum while batting my lashes innocently. “Yes. I’d like this woman to take her hands off…”

At that moment, my attention shifts to Rory, who has just turned in his chair. The moment he sees me, something shifts. The stiff line of his back eases, his shoulders drop, and that slow,familiar smile pulls across his face—real and grateful. The kind of smile that feels like it’s just for me.

My body tingles at the sight of it.

With my hesitation, Daphne’s face pinches with annoyance. I don’t know if she’s constipated or if that’s her reaction to being challenged. Though judging by her irritated expression, I’m guessing that doesn’t happen often. I want to smack it right off her. I also want to taze her hand that is latched onto Rory. Watch her silky blow out go all wiry from the electric shock.

I have no idea if that’s actually what happens to someone when they’re tasered but it brings me pleasure to imagine it anyways.

Rory had asked me to be hisdate, but from the tension at the table, I realize that’s not going to cut it.

From what I know of Rory’s mom, she’s the type to plot against a girlfriend that she doesn’t approve of. Even in her floral Magnolia & Rowe dress, I can tell Daphne is a woman that has no issue fighting for what she believes is rightfully hers. And from the look of her possessive arm cling, she believes that about Rory. I can’t leave any room for opportunity. To truly get his parents and Daphne off his back, I need to crush all hopes of a reconciliation.

I need to go all in.

“…my husband.” The words tumble from my lips with thrilling satisfaction.

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