Reckless Abandon (November Blue, #2)(50)

November, and Monica from The Hope Foundation, who have uprooted their lives the last several weeks in order to get the center off

the ground.” His voice is proud but stern. It’s all pomp, with loads of circumstance lingering in the background.

I notice his tight grip on the podium and cast my gaze to the crowd, where, naturally, I immediately spot Ainsley. Dripping in

pearls and pretense, she beams at Bo through his speech.

“Choosing today for the dedication didn’t come out of nowhere,” Bo continues. “Today is the four-year anniversary of my parents

’ death. My sister, Rae, and I wanted to give the date a new and promising meaning. You’ve all helped make that happen.”

Dizziness knocks me senseless as bile rises in my throat. I didn’t know the date. We never talked about it, and Rae never talks

about it. I turn my head to the right and see Rae lean her head on David’s shoulder, dabbing her eyes with a tissue. Instantly, my

vision clouds behind tears. I swallow hard and force a smile as the room erupts in applause.

Bo and Rae cut the ceremonial ribbon, and the crowd breaks into clutches of supporters wishing the Cavanaugh siblings well. I start

toward Bo, intent on saying something congratulatory, but Ainsley beats me to him. This is the first time I’ve seen them in public

together; and, judging by the way her arms fit perfectly around his neck—and his lips seem to fit perfectly on hers—they are

together. Like, together I don’t like that it bothers me, and I curse myself for my own relationship double standard.

I clear my throat. “That was a great speech, Bo. I’m thrilled for you about this center. Your parents would be proud.” My cheeks

burn, as he seems to stare right through me.

“Isn’t it great? I’m proud of him, too.” Ainsley squeezes her twiggy arm around his waist and kisses his cheek. Bo pulls his

head away from her lips almost as soon as they make contact.

“Thank you, Ember. And, thank you for all of your hard work.” He smiles before his face greys a bit. “I know it’s been

challenging to live in so many different places over the last few weeks.” Bo’s face is blank, but his eyes scream Boston. I offer

a tight smile and walk away.

Seeking out Rae, I find her talking with her friends. She nods in my direction, and they scatter through the crowd. Wordlessly, I

embrace her with all the force I can muster, tears spilling down my cheeks.

“What’s that for?” Rae pulls away, dabbing her eyes with her fingers.

“I had no idea that today was the anniversary, Rae. Bo and I never talked about it...I never asked.”

“Hey, it’s OK,” Rae takes my shoulders and pulls back, “it’s not something we harp on. It happened once, and we didn’t want

it to happen every year, if you know what I mean. Like he said, we wanted it to mean something new—something hopeful.” Regan

weaves through the crowd toward us and tenderly kisses Rae on the cheek.

“You two are so friggen cute, I can’t even stand it,” I change the subject, talking louder to drown the sound of Ainsley’s

giggle from my ears. “Are you guys coming to the party tomorrow?” Monica and Josh’s engagement party is finally upon us, and I

couldn’t be more grateful for the timing. I need a liquor release after the last few weeks.

“We are, but we won’t stay too long. Usually I spend this weekend holed up in my room somewhere, but Regan’s assured me it’s

healthy to get out of the house.” Rae smiles up at Regan, who strokes her cheek and kisses the top of her head. He’s probably

eight inches taller than she is, but her larger-than-life personality fills the gap.

“All right, kids, I’m heading out of here.” I rake a hand through my hair.

“Are you heading to Boston tonight?” Monica comes up behind me, linking her arm with mine.

“No, I’ve got lots to do to get ready for tomorrow.” I kiss her on the cheek. “See you then, bride-to-be.”

I return to the office to grab my bag and keys. The strap of my bag catches the arm of a chair, scattering the contents across the

floor.

“Perfect,” I mumble as I sink to my knees and gather my belongings. I ignore the shadow suddenly standing over me, pretending I

don’t know it’s him.

“Need some help?” I allow a glance upward and find Bo leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed. His silver tie is loosened,

hanging carelessly from his black shirt. This is the first time we’ve been alone since sitting in my car in his driveway.

“No. Thanks, though.” I stand and brush myself off. “That was a great speech you gave today. I didn’t know today was ...” I

trail off.

“Yeah, we didn’t really cover that, did we?” Bo bends over and picks up my lip gloss that landed next to his foot. He studies it

between his thumb and forefinger before handing it back to me. Our hands touch for a moment, and we simultaneously clear our

throats, forcing our hands apart.

“Thanks,” I manage.

“So, I guess we won’t be seeing each other for a while, huh? Now that the center’s open and all.” Inexplicably, he closes the