Thunder rumbled. Lightning cracked.
The gloomy atmosphere matched her mood. Emotions roiled and changed with every
sound. She refused to release the tears hovering on the threshold. The snap of
wood in the fireplace threatened to spark the anger she held inside.
She raised the glass. “Here’s to
how a long engagement made sense. Let’s drink to waiting until the residencies
are completed. A toast to being established in the medical practice before
marriage. Here’s to tonight’s bridal shower and the absent bride-who-won’t-be.
Raise your glass to the fiancé who married the office nurse on his regular
Thursday off.”
In a single swallow she drained
the glass and tossed the flute engraved with his name into the flames. A flare
of color and a loud crack made her chuckle. So
much for melodrama.
The buzz from the champagne
failed to raise her flagging spirits, or elevate her self-esteem. What was
wrong with her? Thoughts tumbled over each other. A father who hadn’t wanted
her or her mother, a first love turned into a teenage prank, a fiancé who chose
another woman. Had she loved Tim or had he been a habit she hadn’t tried to
break? She’d never said the L word to him. She hadn’t heard the sentiment from
him either. Had being married ruled her choice?
Cassie turned from the fire. She
sliced the negative thoughts and pushed them into that box. Shower, comfy clothes, chocolate and a movie
chosen to provide an excuse for tears were next on the agenda.
She hurried to the bathroom,
turned on the shower, undressed and stepped beneath the spray. A short steam-filled
time later with a towel wrapped around her body she scooted to the bedroom
she’d chosen for her stay. She opened the suitcase she’d grabbed on her way out
of the apartment.
“No!” A groan rolled from her
lips. She’d brought the bag she’d packed for the wedding night, the plane trip
to Hawaii
With a shrug she slipped on the
sheer nightgown and a short silk robe and wished for her fleecy one. At least
the slacks and sweater from today could be worn tomorrow while she searched for
a store to buy a few things. She lifted a white lace bra and bikini and a red
satin set. She had underwear. For tonight the green afghan on the couch would
provide warmth.
When Cassie reached the main
room she popped the movie disc in place, filled the second flute with champagne
and selected a truffle. As she savored the rich chocolate she draped the afghan
over her shoulders and reached for the remote.
A rumble of thunder drowned the
opening music of the movie. A loud crash made her jump. Had lightning struck
nearby? She crossed to the window and turned on the yard lights.
A heap on the ground near the
end of the driveway caught her attention. A movement made her realize she saw a
body. She grabbed a yellow slicker from
a hook near the door, slipped on her sneakers and opened the door.
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