Page 69 of Something Old

“Scotch? I guess you really are a more manly lawyer than a woman.”

Brigid shrugged. “Can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Besides, I like the taste. And this is truly excellent.” She took another sip, then fixed a stare on the two women. “So, what’s got you down? I thought you and Ethan were all set.”

“People are being mean,” Anna confided.

Brigid stared at Delaney, who shifted in her seat, embarrassed. “So what? People are always mean and stupid. Who cares? Ethan loves you and that’s all that matters.”

“Not exactly. He’s moving back to Houston.”

“Awesome! Isn’t that what you wanted? I mean, I love you, but I can’t see you a farmer’s wife.” Brigid’s brow furrowed.

“Me neither, but the scandal.” Anna leaned forward and whispered to the other woman.

Brigid waved her hand. “So past tense. It’s forgotten.”

“Not quite.” Delaney filled them in on her conversation with William and the article. “It’s like a time machine, five years ago all over again. I can’t ever outrun the past. And I can’t go back again. So, what do I do?”

Brigid and Anna exchanged glances, then Brigid spoke. “Do you think that will matter to Ethan? Wait, is that why you broke up back then? Gossip?”

Delaney nodded, misery a knot in her chest. “I couldn’t ruin his life like mine was. I thought that was all in the past, that we could be together, but he insists on coming home to Houston to help his father with the business, and people are clearly not accepting of me.”

“You’re going to let his father split you up again? This is between you two, not him. You should talk with Ethan and see what he wants to do.”

“He’ll never walk away, no more than he would have before. He doesn’t need a wife whom everyone questions.”

Anna gripped her hand. “You didn’t steal that money, Delaney. It wasn’t your crime. People are just being nasty. You can weather this storm.”

“I can’t ask Ethan to do that.”

Brigid stood abruptly, chair screeching on the floor. A few people glanced their way then ducked away. “You’re being a coward, Delaney. I know you think you’re protecting him, but you’re protecting yourself, and that’s bullshit. He’s willing to stand by you. You should do him the same courtesy.”

Delaney stood toe-to-toe with Brigid. “I’m not strong enough. You’re right. I shouldn’t have started anything with him. But I love him too much to force him to protect me and deal with the rumors and fallout. I know you disagree, but I have to let him go.”

Anna grabbed Delaney’s arm and also stood. “At least talk to him first. See what he wants. Give him a choice, something you didn’t do before.”

She smiled sadly, then hugged the other women. “I’ll talk to him tomorrow. Now, what’s going on with you two?”

As she listened to them, her eyes wandered to Ethan, who stood in a crowd, frowning, jaw clenched. One man waved a hand toward her and appeared to be complaining about her to both William and Ethan. William was placating and soothing, while Ethan’s face looked like a thunderhead. Finally, he snapped at the men and stalked across the room toward her.

He grabbed her hand. “Ladies, I’m sorry, but I need some fresh air. Delaney, join me?”

Without waiting for a reply, he swept her out the French doors and into the dusk.

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