Page 11 of The Weight Of Falling
Aaron clears his throat. “No work talk, remember.”
“But—”
He taps a finger on the table.
Tess lets out a resigned laugh. “He’s right.”
Sofia looks as though she’s about to argue with him, but Aaron doesn’t back down, not even in the face of her intensity. She knows the rule. We all do. It’s one we made together: no work talk at social gatherings. Because when your coworkers are also your best friends, it’s too easy to let deadlines blur over into downtime. We all agreed we need a mental break from work.
“Fine,” Sofia relents on a sigh. “We’ll flesh it out Monday in the studio.”
I hide my smile. Somehow, Aaron always knows exactly how to manage the three of us.
We were nicknamed Team Trouble at our old workplace, which had more to do with the antics of Tess and Sofia than me. I was the quiet tagalong. I guess I still am.
I’ll probably start sketching out the card tomorrow after Sunday lunch at my parents’ house. I’m too excited to wait for Monday.
After it’s announced we can help ourselves to appetizers, I stand and head to the starters station, where a dazzling array of artisan breads and gourmet salads are laid out, as well as a curated display of charcuterie. I love the idea of a buffet dinner, instead of a stiff three-course meal. It feels warm and unpretentious, in keeping with Kate’s personality.
After loading my plate with various salads, I’m heading back to my table when I hear a low voice in my ear. “I’m sorry, Kenzie. I know I was supposed to meet you.”
Bobby.
I startle. I’m surprised to discover I’ve completely forgotten about him. “What happened?”
He clears his throat. “Once I had time to think about it, I didn’t think it was a good idea to meet up.”
My shoulders dip. Of course he backed down. Bobby hasn’t changed.
I tune him out as he fumbles through a list of excuses. “It’s okay,” I finally tell him, patting his arm with my free hand. “Don’t worry about it.”
I look over Bobby’s shoulder and see Joel watching us. He raises one eyebrow in an unspoken question:Him? Seriously?
I pointedly look away. It feels too dangerous to answer that silent question. Any answer would only invite a comparison between the two men, and I don’t want to think of all the ways Bobby falls short.
While we’re eating our appetizers, Gideon and Kate visit our table. Kate’s cheeks are flushed, her eyes radiant. Gideon can’t take his eyes off her and Kate keeps stealing glances at him. I’m not surprised. With his dark-blond hair and neatly trimmed beard, he turns heads.
They manage to drag their gazes away from one another long enough for Kate to ask, “Are you guys enjoying yourselves?”
“Absolutely,” Tess reassures her. “Everything’s perfect.”
“Except for this supposedly edible flower garden salad,” Aaron grumbles, looking down at the colorful arrangement on his plate.
Tess elbows him in the ribs. He grimaces, enduring it the way only a devoted, long-suffering husband would. His ribs and Tess’s elbow are long-time acquaintances.
Gideon tries to hide his smile. “Why did you choose it then?”
“Tess offered to dish me up,” Aaron explains. “I should have known better.”
“It’s good to be adventurous,” Tess counters. “And everything in that salad—the spring greens, the radishes, pansies, and nasturtiums—are edible.”
Aaron shudders. “Just because it’s edible doesn’t mean it’s tasty.”
“What about everyone else’s food?” Gideon asks.
“Delicious,” Sofia says.
I smile up at them. “The food is amazing and the decor is beautiful. Everyone’s talking about what an incredible wedding this is.”
