Page 81 of Something Borrowed

It was clear that everyone found the game really silly and really, really fun. The highlight for him, though, was when Vic so clearly relaxed and broke down laughing and let herself fully be in the moment, not watching her behavior or whatever it was that she did in a larger group.

The game wound up, and a few people started playing something else, but he and Vic passed. With a few hours of small talk, a changing stream of guests as some people left and new ones came, plus the game under his belt, Cal was more than ready to go—but he was simultaneously in no hurry to end his time with Vic. He enjoyed listening to her participate in various conversations, though he noticed that she, like him, was more an active listener than a sharer.

When there was a break in a new conversation that she was part of with a woman with wild blonde curls who got pulled away by her daughter who needed help with something, Vic turned to him and whispered, “How are you doing? Are you ready to take off?”

Cal hesitated. He was ready to leave, but he genuinely wouldn’t mind staying if she wanted to, so finally that’s what he told her.

She beamed. “Let’s head out. I’ve enjoyed myself, but it’s been very . . . people-y for me. I’ve talked more in two hours than I usually do in two days, unless it’s to you.”

Cal felt like he was falling—and in a way, he guessed he was.

They said their goodbyes, and Madeline and Gwen both pulled Vic into a hug, which she accepted awkwardly, flushing a little.

Touched, Cal thought, but also self-conscious. That was something that he couldn’t understand about Vic. She genuinely seemed surprised when people showed affection or appreciation. Then again, with Audra as her mother, it made sense—but c’mon. She really didn’t see how talented she was? How interesting? How fun?

“Thank you so much for inviting us. It was wonderful—and the biggest social event of my year,” Vic said, making Madeline laugh.

There was yet another round of good-byes from other guests. Then a new group of people arrived at the door, and Vic and Cal used their arrival as their exit.

The temperature had dropped, and Cal wished he’d thought to start the van and let it warm up for Vic before they came out. As it was, they sat in the cold cab, waiting for the engine to heat.

“So . . .” Vic said, sounding shy. “Thank you so much for coming with me. I had a great time—and I really wouldn’t have without you.”

“Yes, you would’ve.” But he wasn’t sure, actually. And it wasn’t just ego talking. She’d stayed so close to him all afternoon that if she’d been flying solo, he wasn’t sure what she would’ve done.

She laughed a little. “No, pathetic as it is, I probably wouldn’t have gone without you.”

The van was finally warm enough to drive, but Cal held off for a moment. “I get that. And it’s not pathetic. It’s nice to have company for new things.”

“Yeah.” Vic looked out the window.

“But you’d be able to go next time without me, right? Not that you’d have to,” he added quickly. “I’ll always be happy to be your date.”

She turned back toward him. “Thank you. I’ll always be happy to have you as my date, too—and yeah, though. I think you’re right. I could attend something like that on my own now. They didn’t hate me or anything.”

Cal had to stop himself from literally shaking his head at her. “No one could hate you, Vic. Or no one sane anyway.”

She smiled, but it was a sad look.

“Hold my hand while we drive?” she asked.

“I was already planning to make it my next move.”

Seeing as it was the heart of winter in Greenridge, it was dark, of course, but it wasn’t actually that late.

“Is there . . . would you . . . I have wine—and hot chocolate—at my place,” Cal said, cringing. King of Sauve he wasn’t.

Vic, always so kind, didn’t laugh. She acted like it was a smooth, non-awkward invite. “I’d love to come to your place for a visit—but with Christmas and Audra home alone . . . Would you mind coming to mine for a bit instead? We could—” She bit her lip, seemed embarrassed, but then pushed on, “watch some NCIS with my mom?”

Cal laughed. She was . . . so refreshing. He loved that she was so tender with that horrible old battleaxe.

“That sounds wonderful.”

“Does it?” Vic’s voice was dubious.

“Anything with you sounds good to me.”

Vic shook her head.