Page 71 of Something Old

He laughed, a hoarse, rusty sound. “We were never together. Not really.”

“Come inside. They’re serving the meal.”

“I’m not really hungry. I’d like to be alone.”

She nodded. “Just remember, this is your best friend’s wedding. Staying out here doesn’t look good.”

He whirled around, her hand flying off his arm. “I don’t give a fuck about what looks good or not. I’m sick of all that. If that’s all you care about, then you’d better stay far away from me. Because shit’s going to fly.”

He stalked back toward the hotel, jaw set, muscles clenched. He wouldn’t give anyone the satisfaction of seeing him hurt. He was fine. He’d survived her leaving him before. He knew how to do this.

Just ignore his heart.

* * *

Delaney tried to ignore Ethan, but it wasn’t very easy. He’d come back inside moments after she had rejoined the wedding party, with Cami, of all people. He had his arm around her and acted as if they were together as planned, the new happy couple. Delaney glanced at William and Kira. Kira beamed as if she were the happy mother of the groom and William, he just nodded once to her, acknowledging her sacrifice. She turned her head, her stomach souring on the food. Instead, she reached for the glass of wine and downed it before she could remember it was Ethan’s wine.

The rest of the reception passed in a blur for Delaney. She avoided any probing questions from Caroline or her friends and made it through dinner. But then it came time for the first dance. Caroline and Matthew slow danced to “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran, completely absorbed in each other. When it came time for the bridal party to join in, Ethan stood woodenly, barely touching her with his fingertips, looking over her shoulder, anywhere but at her.

And her heart broke all over again.

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