Chapter 16
Sky
I didn’t know what to expect when we went over to McCrae’s parents’ house, because the family told us to arrive when the party started and no earlier.
I had no idea what any of that meant. As we pulled up and went through the gate to his parents’ house, I was shocked to see how many cars were there.
“Wow,” I said quietly.
“Oh gosh,” McCrae said, seeming annoyed.
“What’s wrong?”
Strings of golden lights hung from the tall pines surrounding the property.
McCrae grunted as he found a parking spot; he did not look happy. “My mom always overdoes things, and she’s made such a big deal about me turning thirty.”
I got out of the vehicle and took a moment to collect myself. I’d chosen to wear white pants and a red T-shirt. I’d taken care to make my hair nice, and I felt nervous for some stupid reason.
He smoothed his shirt, and I had to smile at him.
“What?” he asked quickly.
“Nothing,” I said. “You look good. Are you nervous?”
McCrae reached out his hand. “No.”
I stared out at his hand.
He pulled his back. “Sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking.”
My heart raced, but I felt confused. “I just don’t know if we should hold hands. It might look like we’re a couple and I don’t even know who I am.”
McCrae’s face had turned red. “You’re right. I’m sorry.” He let out a light laugh. “I guess I am nervous.”
Compassion filled me. I put my hand out. “You know what, let’s walk in together.”
He winced. “No, let’s not hold hands.” He started walking to the house.
I walked with him but felt … weird.
Noah called out. “McCrae, wait a sec.”
We paused.
He grinned at us, then focused on McCrae. “I had to just open the gate so people could park around the side. Mom sure invited the whole town.”
McCrae grunted. “She did invite the whole town. It’s annoying.”
Noah laughed. “It’s Mom. Chill out. Just enjoy it.” He turned to look at me. “How are you doing, Sky?”
His question made me feel lighter, strangely. “I’m good. This is really fun.”
Music was coming out of the house. The bass vibrated through the floorboards of the wide wraparound porch, mixing with the sound of laughter and conversations.
McCrae looked at me and seemed to be evaluating me. “Really? You think this is fun, going to a party where you don’t know anyone?”
I had to laugh. “Maybe that’s why I think it’s fun—because I don’t know anyone, including myself.”
Noah pointed at me. “She’s funny.”
McCrae grinned at me and rolled his eyes. “True.”
I couldn’t help but like the comment, unsure if it was true.
Noah shook his head. “Maybe we all should get amnesia.”
“Be careful what you wish for.” I shrugged and walked up the steps and through the front door that was propped open.
There were people talking animatedly and laughing.
Pictures of the Armstrong family adorned the mantel, and a banner reading “Happy 30th Birthday, McCrae!” hung above it all.
McCrae was instantly stopped by someone I didn’t recognize, but that didn’t bother me. “McCrae, you dog, you’re turning thirty,” the guy said. “Who knew when we would ride our bikes when we were twelve and play at your playhouse that we’d ever get to this day?”
McCrae laughed and pounded the guy on the back. Suddenly, he turned to me.
I didn’t want any of the awkward introductions. I gave him a little wave and then pointed to the kitchen. “I’m going to go see if your mom needs help.”
McCrae looked concerned, then nodded.
As I bobbed and weaved through the crowd of people, I recognized the song that was playing.
This was MC Hammer. I danced a little bit as I walked, allowing myself to be happy.
Of course, it also left me confused, just like when I experienced any strong emotion these days.
Was I used to being happy? Had I had a thirtieth birthday?
Who knew my age? Was I dating someone? Was I married?
Where were they? And why did I recognize MC Hammer?
But I didn’t have too long to ponder it, because Kayla broke into my thoughts. “Sky,” she called out loudly from where she was filling up a big bowl of ice. “Do you want to come help me?”
It was like she could read my mind. “Yes.” I hurried over and picked up the rest of the bag of ice as she spread it into the big bowl.
The kitchen was a hub of activity; platters of appetizers covered the granite countertops, and several women worked together preparing more food. The aroma of something sweet baking in the oven mixed with savory herbs from a bubbling pot on the stove.
“I’m so glad you came,” Kayla said. “What do you think?”
I looked around and spotted all of her siblings, but there were so many more people I didn’t recognize. “It’s great.”
She winked at me. “It is great. And do you want to hear the most hilarious thing?”
“Sure.” I loved the fact Kayla acted like I was her friend.
“The woman that McCrae has sort of been pining over for the last year and a half is here.”
I jolted. I had not been expecting this. “What?”
She nodded to the corner. “Ten o’clock, the long blonde hair. Her name is Rose Jones. I don’t know if he told you anything about her, but they dated all through high school, and she kind of pulled the same thing that Damon’s wife pulled, except she hadn’t married him already.”
Suddenly I felt totally out of place. Kayla was acting like I knew what Damon’s wife had pulled. “I … don’t get it.”
Kayla nodded. “Sorry. The point is, Rose wanted to go to New York and find herself, do some acting gigs and try to be in commercials, but apparently she’s home. So, I don’t know what’s going on.”
I stared at the beautiful blonde and hated the fact I felt really jealous. The woman was gorgeous and tall. She was wearing bright red pants, leopard-print high heels, and a white top that was slightly off the shoulder.
Kayla followed my gaze. She let out a low breath. “I can’t say that I’m happy she’s here.”
I turned to Kayla. “Will this make McCrae happy?”
Kayla shook her head slowly. “I don’t know, but even though Rose is the pastor’s daughter, believe me, that girl was never saintly.”
I tried to digest all of this. Right. Pastor Jones. Okay. Jealously weaved inside of me. “So McCrae still has a thing for her?”
Kayla turned to me, seeming to read the fact I was jealous. “I don’t think so, but it has been a year and a half since he’s seen her.”
“Oh.” I tried to sound nonchalant and focus on anything but Rose.
“Are you okay?”
“Fine,” I answered quickly. “It has nothing to do with me.” But my heart raced and suddenly I wanted to be anywhere but here. But, also, I had to see what McCrae did when he saw her.
Was he still in love with her? I told myself it didn’t matter. At some point, someone had to come for me or I’d remember my past on my own, right?
This life, this time with McCrae, wouldn’t mean anything. Still, I had to wonder how McCrae would react to her.