“You mean about Heidi’s past?” Angie asked. “It could have gone badly, but Robin assumes Brittany said something. She won’t track it back to you.”
He hoped that was the case, but he wasn’t sure how much Robin gossiped. She could relay everything to whomever would listen, or she might be the kind of person who held back pertinent information until she found the right—and most damaging—moment. “Don’t you find it strange that Robin isn’t maid of honor?”
“No,” Angie said as she sipped her coffee. “Robin may feel she’s closest to Brittany, but that doesn’t mean Brittany feels the same.”
“True.” But something didn’t quite add up. He felt like he was missing something.
“Is everything okay?” Angie set her cup down and watched him carefully. “What are you thinking about? It doesn’t look good.”
He shoved his hand through his hair and sighed with frustration. “There’s something about last night but I can’t remember.”
Angie reached out and patted his arm. “You’ll get it.”
He wanted to cover her hand with his. Keep her there and soak in her encouragement. Angie always made him feel like he could accomplish almost anything if he worked hard for it. “Thanks for meeting me here. I appreciate it.”
She awkwardly drew her hand away. “You’re welcome,” she mumbled as she took a hasty sip of her drink.
“You were very good at getting information out of the bridesmaids,” he said and watched Angie blush from his praise.
“I’d like to take all the credit, but Heidi and Robin love to talk about themselves and each other.”
“It’s more than that,” he insisted. “It’s like you understand the feminine psyche.”
Angie pressed her lips together and her mood shifted subtly. “I should hope so,” she said slowly. “I am a woman.”
He was fully and painfully aware of that. “You know what I mean.”
“Yes.” She nodded, then rolled her shoulders back and thrust out her chin. “You’re amazed that someone like me can understand how a woman thinks.”
“That’s not what I said at all. It’s just that you’re nothing like those women.” When she was around, he was oblivious to anyone else.
“That’s true.” Angie suddenly stood up. Her face was pale and expressionless, as if she wore a mask. “I need to get going.”
Did he say something wrong? He was trying to compliment her but he made a mess out of it. “What’s the rush?”
“Personal stuff,” she said, avoiding eye contact. “I’ll see you around. Thanks for the kiss, er...coffee.”
“It was my pleasure,” he said. “Always.”
6
“I’M OPEN!” ANGIE waved her hands in the air as she tried to get her basketball partner’s attention. Tim, her opponent, bumped into her. Angie pushed back. The game was aggressive and close. She’d already gotten an elbow in the face during a jump ball. She gave as good as she got.
Angie was glad she didn’t skip her weekly game. She needed the familiar sight of the dark green trees, the long stretches of thick grassy lawns and the faded basketball courts. She found comfort in watching the seniors on their benches, the kids running free and even the dog walkers, who tried to balance leashes, cell phones and coffee cups with only two hands. But most of all, she enjoyed being with her real friends. This was where she belonged.
She needed this, Angie decided as she wiped her sweaty hands against her long basketball shorts. It was good to take a break from dress fittings and bridesmaid meetings. And Cole. She definitely needed a break from him.
Angie frowned. She hadn’t heard from him since the day before, at the hospital. That was good. That was what she wanted. It took her a year to get over that guy and she didn’t want to go through another Cole detox.
But how was she going to forget that kiss? Angie bit her lip as she fought back the memory of Cole’s mouth against hers. The kiss started out soft and teasing. She tried to hold back but then his kiss grew demanding. Or maybe she had demanded more. There was a moment when she wasn’t sure who was in charge. She had tried to resist, but his kisses were better than she remembered. His touch still excited her. She never responded as wildly with another man.
Tim blocked her and Angie shook her head, trying to get her head back into the game. She dodged and Tim tried to grab her oversize shirt but failed. She wasn’t as tall as her basketball buddies, but she made up for it with speed. “C’mon, Steve!” she yelled as she ran next to the basket. “Give it to me.”