Midlife Love Story

“Thanks. So do you.” He did look good in his casual jeans and t-shirt, an unbuttoned sweater clung to his biceps and I looked away.

When it became clear that I wouldn’t engage him in any further conversation, Chase sighed and stood up with Ryanna. “All right. I’ll be over here if you need me.”

When he was gone, Pippa stared at me, trying to communicate silently, but I couldn’t figure it out and I didn’t bother trying. “This is the perfect setting for romance,” she whispered.

“It is. Too bad Ryan isn’t back yet.”

“Smart ass,” she shot back with a teasing smile.

“Thanks, I try.” We sat in an oppressive silence for a long moment before I ended it with talk of wedding plans. “Did you pick a dress yet?”

“I did, but I refuse to buy it until I’m certain I can fit into a size eight again.” I laughed, and then she laughed. “I still need shoes and undergarments, will you come shopping with me?”

I frowned. “Don’t you want Valona to do that?”

She nodded. “I was thinking we could make it a girls’ day type of thing. Champagne for you guys and a mocktail for me, shopping and drooling over wedding dresses.”

“Sounds perfect,” I told her because it did. I could use some time with my friends, even if they were both blissfully coupled up.

“Oh my god, is this your niece?” Chase’s assistant, CJ’s voice cooed behind me, and I tried hard not to cringe. “Isn’t she just beautiful?”

I tried hard not to roll my eyes, but in the end, I failed. It was clear to me that CJ had a crush on her boss, and whether or not Chase was oblivious to it no longer mattered to me. Maybe CJ wanted him badly enough to submit to his terms, and if so, I wished them both luck.

“What in the hell is going on?” Pippa mouthed the question to me quietly, shock in her eyes.

“No clue,” I answered back, lifting one shoulder and letting it fall carelessly.

“You know she’s into him, right?”

I nodded. “I’d have to be blind to miss it.”

“And you don’t care?”

I shook my head and echoed my earlier words to him.

“Bull,” she growled. “You don’t want to fight.”

Maybe she was right. “Maybe there’s nothing to fight for.” Thankfully, Margot stood in front of the giant projector screen and the event got under way, preventing Pippa from pushing the conversation forward.

The movie started and provided the perfect distraction, though I was painfully aware of the twosome to my left sharing a picnic basket like a happy couple. I refused to look at them, but it was difficult not to notice every little movement, which mostly consisted of CJ scooting closer to Chase.

And Chase allowing it to happen.

Ryanna started to get fussy and Pippa stood. “I think that’s our cue to leave,” she said regretfully.

“I’ll take her if you want to stay and finish the movie?”

“That’s sweet Carlotta, thanks, but it’s probably best if we get out of here just in case she decides to show off her lungs.”

I laughed and nodded. “Let me pack up and I’ll be right behind you. Go.” I shooed Pippa off with Ryanna, who still hadn’t quite started crying, but the little girl was working her way up to it.

“Thanks,” she said and rushed off, leaving me to pack up the basket, fold the blanket and shove all of Ryanna’s toys into the oversized diaper bag. I looked around to make sure I hadn’t forgotten anything and my gaze connected with Chase’s.

He offered up an awkward smile that I refused to return. He could pretend he didn’t want CJ practically snuggled up beside him, but he did nothing to discourage it.

I was starting to wonder if I’d been completely wrong about him, maybe he was just like the other men, he just wrapped himself in good guy packaging.

Whatever, I told myself. It doesn’t matter.