Chapter 6
CALVIN
As breakfast adjourns, the table empties faster than I expect.
Riot storms off in search of cigars and “important groom duties.”
Mrs. Dorsey clears plates with triumph, and suddenly I’m alone on one side of the table.
Cara tucks a curl behind her ear and slides into the seat across from me, eyes bright with mischief and something sharper. She props her elbow on the table, leaning in.
“Real talk,” she says. “Evan. Love of her life… or glorified placeholder?””
My eyes narrow. Here we go.
I take a slow sip of coffee. “Far as I know, she’s happy.”
Cara gives me a look.
I shrug lightly. “And even if she’s not, there’s kind of an unspoken code about not circling another guy’s relationship like a vulture.”
Her grin widens. “Relax, cowboy. Nobody’s asking you to kick down the church doors.”
I snort despite myself.
“She’s trying,” Cara says after a second, softer now. “I’ll give her that.”
Something in my chest tightens.
“But there’s a difference between being fine and being lit up.”
That one lands. I nod slowly.
Cara leans back in her chair. “That’s the inside scoop. Do with it what you want.”
Then her mouth tilts slightly. “But seriously? She hasn’t stopped looking at you since you walked in.”
Her grin tilts. “Honestly, if she were holding a neon sign, it wouldn’t be more obvious. But maybe that’s just me.”
I stare at her over the rim of my mug. “Thanks for the heads-up.”
If I say anything else, I’m screwed.
But Cara apparently doesn’t do guardrails.
She glances around before lowering her voice. “Evan’s nice. Dependable. A safe choice.”
Her shoulders lift slightly.
“But Jules doesn’t glow around him.”
Her tone softens, almost wistful. “You two? That’s different. Feels like... unfinished business, if you ask me. That’s all I’m saying.”
A feeling of hope creeps up my neck.
“It’s been ten years, Cara.” My voice comes out rougher than I mean it to. “It’d be foolish… and honestly, pretty shallow to assume I still have a hand to play.”
I shake my head once. “And I’m not about to make Jules feel like I’m playing games again.”
I aim for dignity but it feels more like fear.
She smirks. “Life’s a game, Cal. If you got a hand, play it.”
I don’t respond.
Then, gentler: “Relax. I’m not saying storm the castle. Just don’t disappear. If she’s happy, great. But if she’s not? You’ll want to be standing where she can see you.”
Cara pushes back her chair and brushes off her blouse. “Anyway. That’s my TED Talk. You’re welcome.”
She pauses, half-smiling. “And just so we’re clear? Jules will either stay with him forever, because she’s loyal like that, or it’ll end soon. Guess we’ll see which comes first.”
With a wink and a trace of mischief, she swivels on her heel and slips away, leaving me staring at the empty space she occupied.
The air feels heavier now.
What just happened?
I should respect Jules enough to believe her when she says she’s happy.
But Cara’s words echo in my chest.
She’ll be with him forever… or it’ll end soon.
Why would she say that?
Either I’m being set up for heartbreak…
or I’m being set up by half this wedding party.