style="font-size:15px;"> Melissa’s worry abated. She’d feared something worse was going on. “She’ll probably calm down in a little bit.”
“She’s been acting out since Craig and I split,” Arlene explained. “She’s having quite the tantrum, apparently. I’d really better go now. If we’re going out later and I can get her down, I can have the babysitter stay with her for the night. I know this is inconvenient, but do you mind giving me a ride?”
Melissa threw a glance over her shoulder at Aaron, saw that he was still looking at her. He probably wanted to pick up the conversation where they’d left off.
No, thank you.
Melissa faced her sister and gave her a reassuring smile. “No problem at all. Let’s go.”
“Thanks, sis. You can always come back.”
“Naw, I’m good. Plus, I’ll see the girls later tonight.”
“Let me say goodbye to Tasha and Ryan and Cyrus and Cynthia,” Arlene said.
Together they found Tasha and Ryan, then the Burkes and said their goodbyes.
“It was so lovely to see you again,” Cynthia said, holding both of Melissa’s hands. “It’s nice to have you back in town.”
“It’s good to be back,” Melissa said. She couldn’t help wondering if there was something to Cynthia’s smile and warmth. Had she jumped to conclusions seeing her and Aaron together?
“Okay, let’s get out of here,” Arlene said.
Melissa fell into step beside Arlene. Only once they were on the deck and away from the guests did Melissa ask, “Did you hear that Aaron and Ella divorced?”
Arlene’s eyes grew wide. “They did?”
Melissa had asked the question in part to gauge her sister’s response. Though she doubted Arlene would know and say nothing. Arlene genuinely hadn’t heard. Aaron had managed to pull off the impossible—keep a secret in this town.
“He told me when we were dancing,” Melissa explained.
“Oh my goodness! I knew they were separated, but Ella always told anyone who would listen that they were working on their marriage. Obviously, none of my friends heard or someone would have told me.” Arlene paused. “Can I share the news?”
Melissa shot her sister a sideways glance. “You just can’t wait to start making calls, can you?”
Arlene couldn’t help smiling. “Well, this is big news.”
“Aaron said they’ve finally started letting people know, just now, so it’s not a secret.”
“It’s not surprising,” Arlene said. “The stories of his cheating were rampant. I guess despite what Ella said, she finally had enough.”
“I guess so.”
Melissa led the way across the driveway and out to the street where her car was parked. Aaron clearly had a way with women. Not only was he gorgeous, he was charming. And successful. With his level of success came a certain amount of confidence. Of arrogance. Of expectation.
It was why he’d so easily put his arms around her and pulled her close on the dance floor, as if he expected that his mere presence would drive her crazy. She didn’t want to know how many women he’d seduced with that easy smile and just the right touch.
Still, her body couldn’t quite shake the hint of excitement his touch elicited.
Good grief, she was pathetic.
She pulled her keys from her purse and unlocked the door, then tried to shake off the memory of Aaron’s arms around her waist. A memory that brought her back to twelve years ago. Twelve years ago on the lake, under a moonlit sky, tenderly kissing the young man she’d thought she would love forever.
Losing her virginity to him.
That was ancient history, a very long time ago.
Melissa would do well to remember that.
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