“Oh. Sorry.” Glancing at me, he made an attempt at a smile, but it was pretty weak. “I’m just tired.”
I groaned. “Me too. I stayed up too late.” I was hoping he’d take the chance to say something about last night, even make a joke, but he didn’t. Eyes on the road, he drove the rest of the way in silence, his thumbnail finding its way back to his lips.
He seemed like his usual self during dinner, conversing with Sebastian about sports and politics and a few mutual acquaintances while Skylar babbled nonstop to me about the wedding. She’d completed her bridal registry that afternoon, and was all excited about the china pattern she’d chosen.
“I don’t know where she thinks we’re going to keep all those dishes.” Sebastian shook his head. “I’m going to have to build a second cabin on the property just to house our wedding gifts.”
“Oh, stop. It’s not that much stuff. We’re only having a hundred or so guests anyway. It’s not like it’s a giant affair.”
That had surprised me, actually. Jillian too. We’d both imagined Skylar would want nothing short of an epic bash when she got married since she’d always adored a big production, especially if she was the star. But she was really trying hard to keep things more intimate. Mia Fournier, the woman Skylar worked for at the winery, had previously been a wedding planner, and the two of them were in their glory planning this event. Apparently it was going to be photographed for a spread in a wine magazine, so every detail had to be perfect. I had no doubt it would be—when it came time for my wedding, I hoped Skylar would help me plan it too.
If I ever have a wedding. I looked over at Dan, who was cutting a piece of New York Strip and asking Sebastian about his truck. “I’m thinking of getting one like that,” he said.
I blinked at him. “You’re selling the Mustang?”
“No. I’d keep that and use the truck for more work-related stuff.”
“I didn’t know you were thinking of doing that.” A new truck would be expensive. Where would he find the money?
He shrugged. “I haven’t decided anything yet.”
I dropped my eyes to my plate of salmon and asparagus and said nothing, but from my left I felt Skylar staring at me.
After dinner plates had been cleared and we’d ordered coffee and dessert, she stood. “Nat, come to the bathroom with me.”
“OK.” I picked up my purse and followed her back to the ladies lounge. We each used a stall, and then stood washing our hands next to one another. In the mirror, I could tell she was looking at me strangely. “What?”
“I was about to ask you that,” she said, taking a towel from a basket on the vanity and drying her hands. “You’ve been acting weird all night, and it’s obvious there’s tension between you and Dan. Is it the house?”
“What about the house?”
“I keep thinking you want him to move in and he’s putting it off for some reason. The money excuse sounds kinda flimsy to me, especially since he’s talking about buying an expensive new truck.”
I sighed. “It’s not the house. You know what, I don’t even care that he’s not making plans to move in. Which is part of the problem—I should care. I should want him to live with me, and I feel completely ambivalent about it.”
“Then is it Miles?”
I coughed. “Miles Haas?” I said, like it was the most absurd thing she’d ever said.
“Yeah.” She put the towel in the hamper and took her lipstick from her purse. “I ran into him today at the grocery store. He said he’d seen you last night.”
“We had a beer and some food at the Jolly Pumpkin, that’s all.” I hated how defensive I sounded. “Why should that cause tension?”
My sister rolled her eyes. “Because he’s always had a thing for you and Dan knows it.”
“What?” I screeched, throwing my towel in the hamper. “That’s ridiculous. Miles and I have never had a thing.”
I think you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever met.
“I didn’t say you guys had a thing, I said he’s always had a thing for you.” She capped the lipstick and rubbed her lips together. “At least, I always thought he did. I was surprised you two never hooked up.”
“I’ve always been with Dan,” I said, unhappy with the way my heart was skipping beats at the thought of hooking up with Miles. It was too late for this.
I think no one will ever be good enough for you, and all I want to do right now is kiss you.
“I’d never cheat on Dan,” I went on, as much for my benefit as for hers. “And besides, you’re crazy. Miles doesn’t have a thing for me. He’s just a flirt.”
Well, that’s not all I want to do. But it’s a start.
Skylar raised her eyebrows. “If you say so. But I saw the look on his face when he was talking about you today.”