Total pages in book: 44
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 41351 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 207(@200wpm)___ 165(@250wpm)___ 138(@300wpm)
Riley lowered her head, at a loss for words. She couldn’t dispute Rachel’s observation if she wanted to. Her mother and sister Raine did seem to be unhappy people in general and their unhappiness centered around men. She hadn’t realized how much she’d leaned on them during her marriage to Ethan until it was too late. In the back of her mind, Riley understood she had constantly shared her problems with her mother and Raine because they always took her side. But at the time, she’d convinced herself it was harmless. Still, like Rachel had pointed out, she and Ethan were both responsible for their break up and she had no intention of letting him off the hook for abandoning her after suffering through their traumatic loss.
“Don’t go silent on me now. I didn’t mean to come down on you so heavy. I assume you’ll be attending the wedding?”
Riley nodded. “Yeah, Megan uh, mentioned something about me being a bridesmaid.”
“That’s a good thing right? You two used to be best friends.”
“If I’m in the wedding party that would mean I’d have to be a part of the festivities like bridal showers, and bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, family teas. I’m sure I’d have to run into Ethan at some point.”
“And you don’t think you can handle it?”
“I…I thought I could until I saw him at the engagement party. I don’t think I’m in love with him anymore but when I saw him…”
“There was a spark? It’s understandable. But you have to ask yourself what’s more important: being there for an old friend or running away instead of facing your problems head on. That was part of the reason your marriage ended in the first place.”
“How about I move a little closer so you can twist the knife a bit more?”
Rachel waved her hand in the air in a dismissive gesture. “Stop being so theatrical. You’ve come a long way in these past seven years. You’re more mature and self-assured. I admire that about you. But there comes a time when you have to put your big girl panties on and do something you might not want to do.”
“So you’re saying I should say yes to Megan.”
“No. What I’m saying is, don’t make any final decisions without giving it some thought. Do what feels right and don’t base your choice on the fact that you may or may not experience some discomfort. We all land ourselves in uncomfortable situations from time to time. It’s how we deal with them that builds character. Whatever you decide, I support you one hundred percent.”
It wasn’t bad advice but the thought of spending any amount of time with Ethan was more than she could handle. After seeing him again, Riley realized he still had the power to make her knees weak and if he turned that legendary Boudreaux charm on her she’d be putty in his hands all over again.
“What’s the matter kiddo? You’ve barely touched your salad. And might I add, you could stand to order a little more than rabbit food.” Ethan eyed his sister’s plate.
“I had a huge breakfast. Besides, I have to be careful with what I eat. I’d like to be able to fit into my gown.”
“Isn’t that why you have fittings? If you gain weight, you’ll just have to get it taken out a bit.”
Megan rolled her eyes with a groan. “You have no clue what we women go through to look the best for our men. Besides, the dress is perfect the way it is. It would ruin the aesthetic if I had it altered in anyway. And I refuse to get another dress after it’s taken me weeks to find the one.”
“Well, I think you’d look beautiful in whatever you wore and I’m sure Jackson would as well. How about you have a bit of my steak? You know you want a bite.” He cut into his filet mignon and offered her a bite. “Here, taste it.”
Megan licked her lips longingly before she took his fork and consumed the chunk of meat. “You’re the devil, do you know that?” she spoke with her mouth full. “This is so good.”
Ethan grinned. He cut another generous portion from his steak and slid it onto her salad. “You’re welcome. So tell me why you’ve been pouting for the majority of this lunch. I may not be as exciting as Jackson but I remember a time when you actually looked up to your big brother.”
Megan sighed. “It’s not a big deal really.”
“If that’s the case then you should have no problem sharing what’s on your mind. Tell me.”
“I don’t want you to get involved.”
Ethan narrowed his gaze, leaned back in his care and folded his arms. “Megan”.
“Don’t look at me like that. You make me feel like a kid sitting in the principal’s office.”