Page 13 of The Weight Of Falling
“Maybe he’s just addicted to the endorphin hit that exercise gives him?” Sofia suggests.
“Maybe,” Aaron says, but I glimpse the doubt in his face. He shifts uncomfortably, as though regretting he said anything. “But maybe my imagination is running away with me.”
I know my imagination is currently running riot. All I’m picturing is Joel working out, his shirt molded to his chest, veins straining, muscles bulging. Hastily, I reach for my water glass and take a long swallow of cool water.
“Have you tried talking to him?” Tess asks.
Aaron rears back, aghast. “Why would I do that?”
“You know, to see if he’s okay.”
“Gym isn’t a therapy session. I’m there to work out.”
Tess and Sofia exchange a look. They only recently joined the gym and I’m pretty sure their favorite workout is ordering coffee at the café there and catching up on gossip.
I’m still mulling over Aaron’s words when Gideon gets to his feet to give his speech. His voice is steady at first as he talks about his love for Kate, but when he mentions the future he can’t wait to share with her, the emotion catches up to him and his voice cracks.
I hold my breath as he looks down, taking a moment to get himself under control. And then Lisset jumps up from her chair and stands next to him. Kate’s daughter slips her small hand into his, steadying him. He smiles at her, his face full of love.
When he lifts his head again to continue, stronger now, I realize I’m not the only one blinking back tears.
Listening to the rest of the speeches, I find myself idly playing with the spaghetti strap of my dress and remembering Joel’s hands touching this very spot. I’ve purposefully avoided looking his way, but now my eyes are pulled in his direction.
Heat tugs low in my belly when I realize he’s watching me steadily, making no effort to hide it.
The clink of a fork against a wineglass draws my attention.
“It’s time for the first dance,” Kate announces as she stands next to Gideon, her gaze sweeping across the guests. “But I want to do something a little different. And because I’m the bride, I can get away with it.”
Laughter ripples through the room. She’s right. On this day, the bride is the queen.
“Gideon and I won’t be the only ones on the dance floor for the first dance,” Kate continues. “We want to invite two other people to join us.”
Oh, how sweet. I admire Kate for breaking with tradition in such a cute way.
I’m smiling along with everyone else.
Until Kate’s gaze lands directly on me, an enigmatic smile sliding across her face.
A feeling of trepidation climbs up my spine.
All I’m thinking is, a big fatnoto whatever she’s planning in that beautiful head of hers.
And then she says, “I’d like Kenzie and Joel to join us on the dance floor.”
5
At Kate’s announcement, an internal scream swells inside me and my gaze instinctively swivels in Joel’s direction. Those dark eyes lock with mine. He looks as unhappy as I feel.
I return my gaze to the table and whisper, “I don’t believe it.”
“And here I thought I was the scheming sister,” Tess says.
I’m sure I can detect a hint of admiration in her tone.
I dig my nails into my palms. “What is Kate up to? Who shares their first dance with two other people?”
Tess tilts her head, considering. “My matchmaking sister who hates the spotlight, that’s who. Kate’s never liked being the center of attention.” Her eyes glitter with amusement. “Of course, knowing Kate, it’s not just about the spotlight. She’s probably decided it’s high time you two had your moment.”
