Over the course of the evening, I relaxed a lot more. I decided it was silly to worry too much about what Amanda said. She probably just read into things to find what she wanted to see. Gavin had told me he felt pressure from his family to settle down.
We danced for hours, only stopping to get drinks and to chat with a few people. Things were starting to wind down when his brother David said he needed Gavin for something.
“Do you mind?” Gavin asked.
“Nope, go ahead.” I decided to nab a piece of the chocolate cake I’d been eyeing all night. I stood off to the side watching the crowd dance.
“A bit overwhelming, isn’t it?” Gavin’s mother came up to stand next to me, eating a piece of cake herself.
“Not in a bad way.” I smiled. “It’s a lovely party.”
“Thank you. The kids outdid themselves this time.”
“Gavin said this is typical of Amanda.”
“Yeah, she loves to throw big parties.” Annie smiled thinking about her daughter. “Maybe Gavin can show you around a little. You haven’t had a chance to see Augusta, have you?”
“Not yet.”
“From what you have seen, would you consider moving here after you graduate?” Her tone was nonchalant, but her expression was intense. She was definitely looking for a particular answer.
What? Why would I do that? Gavin didn’t even live there. “I haven’t really thought about it. It really depends on where I get a job.”
“Don’t you mean where you both get jobs?” she looked at me pointedly. “Don’t get me wrong. I think it’s wonderful how career oriented you are, but Gavin’s going to need a job too.”
“He has a job…”
“In Clayton Falls, but you just said you weren’t sure where you wanted to live.” Her expression softened. I wondered if I’d imagined the intensity from a moment earlier.
I didn’t even know what to say. I could ignore Amanda, but now Gavin’s mother implied we were getting married, or at least seriously planning on something long term.
“Not to push you, but with you working, you are going to need childcare. That’s something I’d be more than happy to take on if you two decide to settle back here.” She smiled warmly, and I wanted to disappear.
“Childcare?”
She laughed. “Don’t look so shocked. You two aren’t babies. I’m sure you won’t wait too long.”
“Can you excuse me?” I needed air. I might have been outside, but if I didn’t get away from Gavin’s mom, I might say something really stupid.
I put down my cake plate and walked away from the main part of the yard. I’d noticed a gazebo further out and decided to head there. Unfortunately, it wasn’t empty.
“Hey. Needed a break too?” Brody greeted me, scooting over on the small bench to give me a place to sit.
I took a seat. “I did, but I’m guessing you’re not here for the same reason as me.”
He chuckled. “Not unless you’re tired of being grilled by everyone about what you’re doing with your life.”
“Not in the same way you are.” But it wasn’t far off.
He turned to me. “Explain that comment.”
“First, answer a question for me. What do you think it means that Gavin asked me to come home for this party?”
“That he likes you and wanted to introduce you to us…” He looked at me as if he thought it was a trick question.
“Okay, good. That’s exactly what I think.”
“Did someone else suggest something different?”
“Amanda and your mom seem to think Gavin’s thinking marriage.”
“Does that scare you?” He studied me, but not in a judgmental way.
“Yes.”
“Honest. I like that. Any particular reason why? Is it just in general or the thought of it with Gavin?” We were far enough from the music that I could hear crickets chirping.
“In general,” I answered quickly. “It’s not something even on my mind yet. I need to finish school, find a job, get established. There’s so much to do before getting married and of course having kids.” I wasn’t even sure if I’d ever have kids, so talking about it as if it was inevitable and happening soon was way too much to handle.
“Oh no. Mom went in on kids, didn’t she?”
I smiled. “She offered her services for childcare.”
He shook his head. “Ignore her. You’d think five grandchildren would be enough to hold her over.”
“It doesn’t seem like it.”
“I wouldn’t let it get to you. Is Gavin serious about you? Yes. But he’ll let you set the pace. Just talk to him if it’s an issue.”
“I don’t want to bring it up if your family is wrong. I don’t want him to think I’m pushing for it.”
“Well either way, I think you’ll be fine.” He stopped suddenly, looking past me into the dark. “I’ll see you around.”
It didn’t take me long to see what sent him on his way. Gavin nodded to his brother before immediately taking his spot on the bench. “There you are. I’ve been looking for you everywhere.”
“Oh, sorry. I just needed a break.”
“Were you and Brody talking about anything interesting?”
“Nothing major.” If he only knew.
“But you’re all right? You seemed fine when we were dancing, but now you seem weird again.”
“Please stop worrying. I’m fine. Just a little tired.” I smiled.
“Oh. Okay. The party’s winding down.”
He took my hand and led me back to the house.
Chapter Thirty
Gavin
Something was wrong with Becca. I was sure of it. Saturday night after the party, she went right up to bed and was already asleep by the time I got there. She didn’t respond to me at all when I pulled her into my arms.
By the time I woke up the next morning, she was already packing up her stuff.
“Hey, leaving without me?” I rolled over, watching her pack.
She smiled, but it seemed forced. “No, I just want to make sure we can leave right after breakfast. I’d love to have some time at home today.”
“Okay… I’ll get up.”
“Good. Okay, I’ll see you downstairs.” She headed to the door.
“Wait. Don’t I at least get a kiss good morning?”
She walked back over to the bed and kissed me on the cheek.