Page 159 of When There Was You
“It’s nice to finally put a face with the name,” she says.
Sherry clearly doesn’t know the extent of my relationship with Mick and Remy, or I doubt she’d say that. Why does she have to be so sweet? The petty brat in me wants to dislike her but the truth is, under different circumstances, we might even be friends. Remy doesn’t deserve her.
“It’s great meeting you too,” I say.
“Well, nature calls.” She chuckles, then places a hand over her belly, which reveals its slight protrusion. “We’re expecting our first child, and I swear I’m peeing every five minutes.”
“Oh.Co…congratulations,” I sputter.
“We’ve got a table in the back. Come sit with us.” We share a smile as she hurries off.
I find myself behind Leland in the buffet line and give him a long hug. He’s known Terry since they were kids, and grief is etched indelibly in his tear-stained eyes.
After I fill a plate, Kendra waves me over as a few recognizable men bellow my name. It’s the old gang and they’re all smiles as I head toward them.
One by one, I’m hugged and welcomed.
“Bella!” Vinny greets me, swallowing me in an embrace. “Don’t mind the fluffification,” he jokes, patting his expanded middle as we part. “My wife likes it.”
“I do?” the very pregnant woman at his left says before Vinny introduces us. We share a knowing smile.
Jeremy’s next, lifting me off my feet.
“You a congressman yet?” I ask. His once perfectly feathered hair is now gelled and styled in line with his political aspirations, and an impeccable navy suit hugs his frame.
“State senator, baby. I see the years have done nothing but make you more gorgeous.” He sets me down.
My smile stretches wide. “Still single and devastating all the ladies?”
“Unless you want to finally give me some of that.” He blatantly checks me out top to bottom, always the flirt.
I slap him on the chest and roll my eyes, but underneath, I’m vibrating from Mick’s nearness, aware he’s biding his time, watching and waiting.
His chair drags along the floor as he stands, and our eyes clash. His absorbing gray irises send ripples through me. His gaze rakes down my body and lands on my left hand. Sorrow or pain tinged with grief swim in those memorable eyes before he schools his features.
We embrace, and his ocean scent wafts around me like nothing has changed. Only everything has.
“Hey Jax,” he murmurs.
Thump thump.It’s been years since anyone called me that, and truthfully, that name belongs to him.“Mick,”I breathe.
We part, I think both torn between wanting and hating to let go.
“You look well,” he says, then blows out a laugh. “Fucking great, actually.”
“Thank you. You?—”
…also look amazing, like the motherfucker you’ve always been.
Do not get Micknotized. Do not get Micknotized. Do not get Micknotized.
“…too,” I add lamely.
He dips his chin toward my hand. “Engaged?”
I nod, my emotions rioting.
“I’m not surprised.” He opens his mouth as if to say more, then stops himself.
