Loving a Man Who Forgot Me Novel Chapter 86
She pursed her lips and her brows pinched together. “Don’t you dare smirk at me.”
“Is that not allowed?” I asked through said smirk.
“No. You promised we would never speak of that night again, and I can see it in your eyes that that’s exactly what you’re thinking about.”
She folded her arms across her chest and kept her eyes narrowed on me.
It was true I had promised to never again bring up her first experience with wine, but technically she was the one who brought it up. All I did was think about it. “I don’t know why you try so hard to forget that night. I thought it was a good night.”
“Maybe because you’re not the one who drank an entire bottle and then decided it was a good idea to go skinny dipping in the pool in forty-degree weather.”
“Don’t forget about the skunk,” I reminded her. “That was my favorite part of the night.” “I thought it was a baby racoon,” she blew out, exasperated. “I wanted to pet it.”
I laughed. “Because that makes it better? You don’t chase wild animals, you crazy person. Although, maybe having your face scratched off would have been better than being sprayed by a skunk. You stunk for days.”
“I stand by the fact that it was all your fault.” I pointed at my chest. “Me? How was it my fault?” She shrugged. “I don’t know, but you were usually behind every stupid thing I did.”
“Fair enough,” I chuckled, and for a moment our eyes locked, the corners of hers crinkled in amusement. Her gaze was steeped in memories in that moment. So many, and it was like I could see every one of them. We were both so much a part of who the other was.
Who would I be if you took all that away? Who was I going to be without her? “Got a few more last-minute donations.” Jason appeared and the moment broke. “That’s great.” Abbi turned her smile on Jason and I went back to stringing lights.
“Can you believe this?” Abbi squeaked when I came to stand beside her. “Yes. I’m not the least bit surprised you made this happen.”
It was Thursday night and there was a steady stream of guests filing in the door. Ticket money was practically flying into the hands of the volunteer students’ and teachers’. Abbi stood back watching it all come together, radiating excitement and pride.
“It wasn’t all me,” she said. “We all did this. Your brother is the one who deserves most of the credit.” “You both worked hard on tonight.” I gave her shoulder a squeeze and then sauntered into the crowd to take pictures and sign autographs along with my dad and uncles.
The room was a buzz of activity. Sparkling cider circled the room while soft music played overhead, and guests perused the silent auction tables.
At one point, while I posed with a mother and daughter, I caught Abbi out of the corner of my eye, bent over one of the items, no doubt the Napa trip. I faced the camera straight on and grinned.
My cheeks hurt from smiling by the time the auction closed and everyone took their seats in the main ballroom. At that point, I was ushered backstage while they were served dinner and dessert by about fifty teenagers from Darlington.
Aiden took the stage with Mom, Abbi, and Aunt Sadie at his side, and shared what had sparked this mission of his and why it was so personal to him and our family.
I was beyond proud of him standing up there, and even prouder when I saw the horde of students he’d inspired, line up to take the stage and sign the pledge he’d created. Maybe they were just following the crowd, maybe they didn’t all mean it, but if tonight convinced even one teenager not to get into a car after drinking, it was a win.
“Your brother did good,” a rough voice sounded behind me. I glanced over my shoulder at Grandpa Jack. “What are you doing back here?” I kept my voice low. “Just met Abbigail’s fiancé,” he said matter-of-factly. “Wanted to come find you and ask you what the hell that was about? How come your girl is marrying another schmuck?”
I sighed. “She’s not my girl.” “The hell she’s not,” he argued. “You and that girl been in love since you were too young to know what love is. I know because you told me once that you thought if you married her, she’d stop stealing your cookies because you’d buy her a house.” I let out an amused snort. “What was I, six?”