I remember the hardest part of thinking about Dahl moving on was accepting that at one time I was the only one Dahl had ever been with. I had thought I would not only be her first, but also her last. Now I've lost that. And thinking back I wonder why I didn't try harder to make our life together perfect. Is that why she has stayed with that new guy? It drives me crazy trying to figure out what she could see in him. There has to be something because of all the things that have happened in the last three days, what my mom told me about Dahl shocked the shit out of me most of all-she told me Dahl's engaged. As if knowing someone else has touched her isn't bad enough, hearing she's going to marry another guy has torn my heart apart.
Chapter 3
Here and Now
We head to Grace's house once I've changed into one of River's shirts, a pair of jeans, and my Converse. I'm worried about what made Grace call and say she wants to talk to me in person. I hope she's all right. She sounded like she had been crying when I spoke to her and the sense of urgency in her voice was clear.
My unease must be evident because River looks over and gives me a concerned look as he squeezes my hand tight. Then he gives me what I know is his fake smile, hoping to reassure me. I want to ask him what he thinks she wants to talk about but I'm afraid of what he will say. What if Grace or Serena or Trent isn't well? My throat tightens and I pick up the bottle of water I brought with me, slowly twisting the cap and taking a big gulp.
His phone sits in the pseudo-ashtray, charging, and I jump when it rings. "Charlotte Tyler" flashes across the screen. As I reach to grab it, he covers my hand. "Let's not answer my mom's calls right now. I think Xander suspected something when I talked to him earlier. He probably mentioned it to Mom and now she's calling to find out what's going on."
I nod my head as the phone stops ringing; he picks it up and holds down the top button, turning it off. I turn the radio on and stare out the window, but when Gavin DeGraw's "I'm in Love with a Girl" comes on, I quickly reach to turn it off. I can't listen to that song. It always reminds me of the last time I saw Ben.
I've never been so grateful to see the stone driveway leading to Grace's beach house, as I am right this minute. As soon as the car is parked, River brings my hand to his mouth and kisses it before turning the ignition off. I can't take my eyes off him, and I know I'm probably squeezing his hand too tight. "I'm sorry we had to postpone leaving for Las Vegas, but Grace sounded like she really needs me."
He returns my quick smile. "Beautiful girl, we are going to be together for the rest of our lives. Another few hours or another few days doesn't change anything. Let's see what Grace wants. And who knows, we might still make it to the airport later tonight."
He opens my door for me and we walk down the path to the front porch. Looking behind me, I catch sight of Caleb parking in the large U-shaped driveway. It's a little ridiculous that he followed us all the way here but now is not the time to discuss it. I also see Serena's car in the driveway near the garage and my concern turns to full-out worry. I take a deep calming breath as I open the front door. "Grace? We're here. Sorry it took so long, there was a lot of traffic," I call out as I lead River into the house I've always considered a home.
The large family room is dimly lit and Grace stands on the other side in the kitchen doorway. I look around but don't see Serena or Trent anywhere. I notice the room seems to be in a bit of disarray. Shopping bags on the floor, a duffel bag thrown at the bottom of the stairs, and a stack of newspapers on the desk. Seeing us, she swiftly turns and walks back in the room. She wipes tears away as she approaches and I know for sure something is terribly wrong. The feeling grows when she pulls me in for a long embrace. "Dahlia," she sobs as she hugs me for what seems like hours. When she steps back she cups both my cheeks. "Oh my darling girl, I'm just not sure how to do this." She drops her hands and gives River an odd look, quickly hugging him as well.
Serena enters the room with a tray holding a pot of coffee and mugs. She sets it down on the table and says, "Dahlia, River, you're here." Then she furrows her brow at Grace and says, "Mom, come on and sit down. Give Dahlia some room to breathe." I can tell Serena has been crying, too, and my worry becomes full-out panic. I turn to River for reassurance and he grabs my hand and follows Grace, leading me to the large overstuffed sofa in the middle of the room.
I sit down next to Grace with River on the other side of me. "Grace, what's the matter? You're freaking me out."