Page 60 of Unwrapped
“No.” She meets my gaze. “Remember when we talked at the cabin? How I told you not to settle for less than you deserve?”
“Of course.”
“I finally took my own advice.” She blinks rapidly to dispel a fresh batch of tears. “I called off our engagement the day after Christmas.”
“Holy shit.”
“Yup.”
“What happened?”
“You mean besides four years of being treated like an afterthought?” She sighs heavily. “He never even acknowledged my birthday, Cami. I kept waiting, hoping he had something up his sleeve, but nope. Not even a handmade card. I mean, anyone who knows me—even the tiniest bit—is well aware I celebrate my birthday the entire month of December.”
“How could you not with a Christmas Eve birthday?”
“Exactly. The man I was supposed tomarrycouldn’t remember the fucking day I was born? Then he got all pissed off that my feelings were hurt. I finally had enough. I didn’t want to spend my life like that, you know?”
Nodding, I give her a quick hug. “I’m really proud of you. I know it’s hard right now, but you did the right thing.” While I hate seeing her sad, a part of me rejoices. Marc never made her all that happy to begin with. Lena is amazing. She deserves a man who sees her worth.
“Oh, absolutely. This was a long time coming. I knew deep in my heart he wasn’t the one for me. I was stupid to accept his proposal. I think I thought things would get better.” She snorts. “Joke’s on me, I guess.”
“Are you OK?”
“Not yet, but I will be. Even though it’s the right decision, it still sucks. I hate knowing I wasted four years of my life on someone who didn’t deserve me, but whatever. You live, you learn, right?” She shrugs and releases a heavy sigh. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you back this week.”
I squeeze her shoulder. “It’s totally fine. I get it.”
“I wasn’t sick—I just needed a few mental health days, aka alone time on my couch with a gallon of ice cream. Garrett thought I needed a change of scenery, so he dragged me here tonight. Naturally, I’ve been crying most of the evening because people keep asking where Marc is, so his plan kinda backfired. You and Dean just rescued him from another blubber fest.” She forces a smile. “Anyway, enough about me. Tell me everything.”
I glance at Dean, who’s still engrossed in conversation with Garrett. Since he’s occupied for the time being, I give her a brief rundown. I leave out our engagement news, because she doesnotneed to hear about that right now.
Her eyes shine with happiness by the time I finish my story. Smiling, she wraps me in a tight hug. “I’m so excited for you, chicky. He’s a great guy. I knew he’d pull his head out of his ass.”
The four of us chat for a while, then load up our plates at the buffet table. After stuffing ourselves with pasta and various sides, Dean and I excuse ourselves to the dance floor. He holds me close, and I rest my head on his shoulder as we sway to the music.
“Is Lena all right?”
“She called off her engagement, so she’s hurting right now, but she did the right thing. Eventually, she’ll be OK.”
“Did you mention anything about us?”
“Everything but our engagement.” I peer up at his face. “Please don’t think I’m not excited—I’m beyond happy—it just wasn’t the right time for her to hear something like that.”
“I understand.” He kisses me. “I’m relieved you haven’t changed your mind.”
I pinch his ass. “Not gonna happen.”
“Good. There’s something I need to tell you.”
I meet his gaze. “Uh, that sounds ominous.”
“Don’t worry, it’s not.” His gorgeous eyes burn into mine. “It’s almost midnight. I know you wanted to ring in the new year with everyone else, but I’d love if we went someplace more private to talk.”
My stomach flip flops. “Now you’re really making me nervous.”
He chuckles. “Relax. I already told you it wasn’t anything bad.”
“How about out there?” I point to the lobby.
