Forever Winter

“You look fine,” I tell him so he’ll stop fidgeting now.

“Just don’t want to piss him off,” he mutters. We both know he’s talking about his brother. His father’s gone, but Cory’s brother Bo slipped right into the role of head of their family. Cory had this need to prove himself now after he’d gone a little wild for a couple years. I’m still not sure how wild he was, but I didn’t know that side of him. I do wish he’d loosen up a little tonight, though. He’s not himself. My irritation with his brother grows. I’ve never met the man, but I already know I don’t care for him.

The Cory I know always has a smile and is quick to inspire one in others. He’s charming and sweet and the closest thing I’ll ever have to a brother. I’ll never understand how his real brother doesn’t see that. They should be closer.

A tall blonde walks by, giving Cory a wink. I hide a smile at the annoyance on his face. I’ve grown used to women trying to flirt with him. “Loosen up.” I elbow him in the side. He never dates. Everything is about working and proving himself.

“Trust me. Teresa is not someone you want to loosen up with. She’s a snake.” I glance back to the woman he’s talking about. She’s pretty and her smile doesn’t look deadly, but I’ll take his word for it. I had a few foster parents who could turn on and off the sweet and nice like it was a switch.

I do what I always do and blend in. I’m trying my best not to be noticed, and I’m thankful the dress Cory got for me isn’t too flashy. “Come. I’ll take you to our table and say hi to my mom. Then we’ll see when we can get this show on the road.”

“I’d love to say hi to Mary.” I perk up at the mention of his mom.

“She’ll be happy to see you, too.” Cory moves us through the crowd. Some people say hi and nod or smile. Everyone seems to know him. Even though I went to an Ivy League school where most had money, I still always feel awkward. I try to keep my shoulders back as I move with him through the crowds of people, looking to see if I spot Mary anywhere. She’s the only person in Cory’s family I’ve met.

His mom is sweet. Sometimes I think she’s been plucked right out of a movie or television show. The way she dotes on Cory makes me wonder what my own mother was like. I never gave her much thought. Sometimes when I close my eyes I think I can picture her face, but I wonder if it’s an image I’ve made up in my own mind or if it’s real. Either way, I guess it doesn’t matter.

Cory pulls out a chair for me at a table that is completely empty. I take a seat, placing my hands in my lap. We are right in front of the stage where I’m sure the ceremony will be happening. “Will you be okay by yourself for a moment?” he asks. He looks around the room before glancing back down at me.

“Yeah, I’ll be fine.” I smile, trying to hide the white lie. I feel even more awkward sitting at a giant table all alone.

“I’ll be right back.” I nod, and he moves back into the crowd and I lose sight of him.

I pull my phone out of my purse to look busy and not like some lonely girl sitting by herself at a table. I open my Kindle app but sigh when I remember I don’t have my glasses. I put my phone back into my purse as a man drops down into the chair next to me.

“A pretty girl should never sit alone.” He drops his arm over the back of my chair. I sit up straight so that his arm isn’t touching me.

“Just waiting for someone.” I give him a polite smile before turning my head the other way. The man is old enough to be my father. If I had one. I jump when he slides his finger across my bare shoulder, nudging the strap out of the way.

“I don’t bite.” He gives me a cocky smirk and leans in closer to me. I freeze, unsure that to do. I want to tell him to get the hell away from me, but I have no idea who he is. What if I got Cory into trouble or something? For all I know, that’s his chair.

“Fuck off, Richard.” A gruff voice breaks me from my frozen state. I turn my head to look way up at a man who is standing next to my chair, hovering over me. I have to tilt my head all the way back to get a good look at him.