Page 7 of Fault Lines
He looked at me, surprise flickering across his face. “I love you too, Livi. Always.”
Dinner was quiet but at least the food was good. The shrimp had just the right bite, and Cam made short work of his lobster bisque. I was just about to ask if he wanted dessert when his phone rang, so loud it seemed to echo off the glassware. Before I could even react, Cam snatched it up, and I caught the name before the screen disappeared: Lacey.
Of course.
“I’m sorry, I have to take this.” He stood and answered on the move, heading for the restrooms without even a backwards glance.
I exhaled a long sigh. The waiter swooped in to clear the plates, and I waved off dessert. “No, I’m done. Just the check, thanks.”
Cam came back a few minutes later, face drawn, but he didn’t quite meet my eyes as he sat down.
“Livi…” he started.
“Let me guess. Work emergency?” My voice was thin and tired.
He reached out, briefly, fingers grazing my chin. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“Sure,” I whispered.
He was already getting up, pulling out his wallet. “Go see the movie. Have a good time and I’ll see you later tonight.”
“You promise you’ll make it up to me?” I tried for a playful smile, even as my heart sank.
He smirked, finally, just a hint of the old Cam. “Of course, baby.”
“Tonight?”
“If you want. I may be late.”
“I’ll wait up.”
“You shouldn’t. But okay.” He kissed me on the forehead, quick and soft. “I’ll see you later. I’m going to take an Uber so you can have the car.”
I nodded, numb. “Have fun, babe.”
The waiter dropped the bill and his eyebrows nearly hit the ceiling when I left the full tip Cam had laid out. He thanked me twice and I mustered a small smile, glad at least someone’s evening was going well.
I narrowed my eyes at the hostess on the way out, but she looked right through me—like it didn’t really matter. I slid into the car and drove to the theater, legs too stiff and heart too heavy. I didn’t care if the movie was good or not. The truth was, I just couldn’t face going home to an empty house.
The ticket counter was jammed; a man ahead of me was arguing with the cashier, irritation making his voice sharp.
“You don’t have any seats left? Are you sure? I didn’t think this movie was that popular.”
The cashier was unmoved. “We sold out hours ago. We have a seat open for the next showing, though.”
“Ugh, I have to help my grandfather at his shop early in the morning, I wasn’t trying to be up that late.”
I stepped up behind him. “What movie are you trying to see?”
He turned, and even in the harsh light I could see he was cute. Not Cam-level dazzling, but not bad, with soft brown hair, a little stubble, and grey eyes that crinkled when he looked at me.
He told me the name, and I realized it was the same one I’d bought two tickets for.
“I have an extra ticket,” I said, already feeling ridiculous. “My husband bailed. His loss is your gain.”
He blinked, surprised. “Are you sure?”
I nodded. “It’s yours, or it goes in the garbage.”
