For two people who had been so in love, though, they definitely seemed uncomfortable around each other at the moment.
My need to know what had actually happened between them was stronger than ever. I kept my eyes on them as if I would be able to figure something out from just observing them.
Reed looked distressed, fidgeting with his watch as they made small talk.
She took a deep breath, then exhaled. “You look good.”
“Thank you,” he said without making eye contact.
“I happened to see all of the tents set up as I was driving to my parents’ and thought I would stop by to say hello, see how you’re doing.”
I noticed he went to straighten his tie, but he wasn’t wearing one. It was like he didn’t know what to do with his hands.
It wasn’t my place to interrupt, but my instinct told me that he wanted a way out of the conversation. No, he needed it.
“I’m very sorry to interrupt, Mr. Eastwood, but we really need to discuss Project Squirrel. I have to leave soon and really don’t want to miss the opportunity to pick your brain.”
Allison looked between us. “Project what?”
Reed seemed like he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. “Ah yes, very important. I need to attend to this. Allison, it was great seeing you. We’ll have to catch up again some other time.”
“Great seeing you, too.”
Reed followed me, and we just kept walking in silence until we were far away from the festivities. It felt like we’d walked at least a half mile.
They had so much land. And there were outdoor lights all throughout the multi-acre estate.
We finally stopped at a small lake that ran along the property. I sat down on the grass and Reed joined me.
He looked up at the sky as he spoke. “How did you know I needed a way out of that conversation?”
“Your face. You seemed very uncomfortable talking to her. I figured I would at least try getting you out of it. I told myself that if I was mistaken, you didn’t have to go along with it.”
“Thank you.”
“Was she supposed to be here?”
He simply shook his head no.
“Why did she come?”
“Her family’s estate is just down the road. She stopped by to say hello. Security knows her and probably let her in, thinking she was invited.”
I wanted so badly to ask again what had transpired between them, but then I remembered what had happened back at the hotel on Long Island when he snapped at me.
Reed was gazing up at the stars. To my surprise, he partly answered the question in my head without my having to even ask.
“She hurt me very badly when she realized the future she thought we were going to have was going to look a bit different than she’d always imagined it to be. Without going into details, she showed me that her love was definitely conditional.”
“There is no such thing as conditional love.”
“You’re right,” he said. “But it was difficult for me to realize that. I believed that I loved her unconditionally. When love is not returned, you have to learn to unlove the other person. The mind tells you that you’re not supposed to love them anymore, but the heart isn’t listening so easily.”
“Do you still love her?”
“Not in the same way, but my feelings are complicated.”
My heart broke for him, but at the same time, I envied Allison for having been the recipient of true love. Todd had never loved me. I knew that now. Knowing that Allison’s love for Reed was conditional definitely shattered the idea I’d had about them when I first discovered the blue note. I was realizing I didn’t really know anything at all, but I was afraid to pry too much. At the same time, seeing that he was still struggling with his feelings warmed my heart and gave me hope that there were men out there who were truly capable of love.
I stared at Reed’s profile. God, was there really anything sexier than a gorgeous man who just wanted to be loved by a woman?
He picked at the grass. “I really wish she hadn’t shown up.”
My eyes stayed glued to his long, masculine fingers on the ground. “I’m glad she did, because you have to be able to face her to move on. It was good practice. Plus, did you see the look on her face? She was really confused when you left. And that made it all worth it.”
“Project Squirrel.” He laughed under his breath.
I chuckled. “Project Squirrel. Definition: the nonexistent, top-secret business venture that hereby serves as the perfect way out of any uncomfortable situation.”
He sighed. “I could really use that drink, but I don’t feel like walking back just yet.”
I started to stand up. “Want me to go get us drinks? You can stay here.”