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“He’ll understand,” she says comfortingly. “Even when you were kids, I always had the odd feeling that it was like you two were made for each other. Go back to him, Mel, but when you do, be ready to tell the truth. The whole truth, this time.”
Chapter22
Jenson
Roy Dupont stands half a room away, watching me carefully over the rims of his glasses. I give him a tight smile, trying to play off the fact that Mel still isn’t here.
Even though the event started an hour ago.
Even though the silent auction begins soon, and shortly after that, dinner. And after dinner, the announcement of our engagement…
Even though I’m standing alone in a room full of several hundred people, most of whom are looking at me curiously. Aware that something,someone, is missing.
I’ve made the rounds and greeted people. I’ve stepped into quiet, dimly lit areas to text Mel, with no answer. It’s 7:30 p.m. and everyone who is going to arrive already has.
Brian, one of the investors who joined us at Jade Lodge, swings by. We shared a brief “hello” earlier. Now he holds an expensive craft beer.
“I haven’t seen your bride-to-be yet. I’m guessing she’ll be making a grand entrance of some sort?”
This, at least, I have a genuine reaction for. “She should, if there isn’t one planned already. I’m sure she’d stun everyone here.”
Brian hums a note of appreciation, sipping his beer. “A night like this, she deserves to be the center of attention. Let her take all the time she wants.” He eyes my pocket, where I’ve been obviously fidgeting for the last twenty minutes. “You’re not getting nervous, are you, Jenson?”
“No, no. Well…”
My mind goes to the little box in my pocket.
Am I nervous to pull it out and show it to Mel? Yes. I’ve been nervous about it since picking the ring up this morning. And I was planning on giving it to her before things here picked up, but…she hasn’t shown.
Brian is waiting, bushy eyebrows raised. “I’m surprising her with an upgrade.”
I pull the box out and snap it open, the two of us leaning in close. I don’t really want everyone to be in on this secret, but Brian is exuding genuine giddiness and slaps me on the shoulder.
“Beautiful, man, beautiful choice. She’ll love it, no need to worry.”
I nod in thanks, feeling oddly relieved. Maybe if things were different, I would’ve asked Jodie her opinion.
But Mel was right. I dropped the ball in that area, forgetting that none of this is real. Jodie’s absence only highlights that fact.
If this was real, Jodie would be here, glowing as Mel entered in that gorgeous dress. If this was real, it would be Jodie teasing me about being nervous, nudging me.
But it’s not.
And Mel still isn’t here.
Brian gives me one last pat on the shoulder and wanders off toward someone waving him over. I’m left alone again, wondering what the heck is going on.
Am I being punished?
It’s a possibility. And what a time for it to turn out this way.
Mel’s been wearing a simple silver engagement ring for weeks, one that Brett picked up at my behest once everything was in place. Brett didn’t ask questions, under the assumption the “real” ring was just delayed in being designed.
The truth is, I hadn’t planned on buying a new ring at all. Not until I realized that I’m completely in love with Melanie Atkinson and need to keep her in my life. No matter what.
Tonight, before the announcement, I was planning on getting Mel alone and asking her to stay fake-engaged to me—so we could date.
It’s a gamble; part of me knows I might’ve pushed things too far and been too cold. I might not be the kind of man that Mel can love. But I’ll do better every single day if she gives me the chance.
