Page 49 of The Other Side

“Well, when you figure it out, let me know,” I challenge. “Don’t bother walking me out.”

And with that, I’m traveling across the backyard until I exit through the fence door.

Chapter 16

Callie Rae

I hook my arm around Jesse’s as we walk along the stone tiles. The pathway leading to the backyard is lined with tall white pillars, greenery, and fairy lights.

My fingers toy with the ruffled one-shoulder of my white cocktail dress. Roger and Lindsey live in East Hampton, and tonight, they’re hosting a White Party for about fifty guests. There’s been a few of these gatherings I’ve attended with Jesse, but somehow, I’m always left to converse with someone who isn’t him.

The lanterns on either side cast a mild glow against the indigo sky. I know a handful of his colleagues and their significant others, but not well enough for my excitement to override my anxiety.

If I say too much, I might expose my past. My heels might as well be stepping on eggshells rather than the stone tile right now.

“I’m glad you chose to put your hair back.”

Jesse’s voice shifts my focus to him. “Yeah?” I ask softly. My fingers glide over the sleek bun wound tightly at the base of my neck.

“The earrings will catch everyone’s eye. They make you look even more beautiful.”

“Oh,” I offer, turning my head forward. My grip loosens around the sleeve of his white dress shirt. I suddenly shrivel with foolishness, waiting like a dog for a compliment whenever he waves a shred of one at me.

“As if that’s possible.”

And just like that, he reels me back in. He flashes a smile, his brown eyes gleaming under the fairy lights as I hold his gaze. My stare swoops over his gelled hair that’s been perfectly parted to the side, and I decide that my abrupt reaction was silly.

Women wear jewelry all the time to make themselves feel prettier. This is Jesse’s love language. Both concepts are innocent.

We enter the huge backyard, manicured hedges and trees framing the rich grass. Clusters of guests mingle by the lounges surrounding the inground kidney pool, each person wrapped in pristine white.

“Wow,” I say.

The pool shimmers with a blue light, the sea breeze scent intensifying.

“Our backyard will look like this in time. Don’t worry,” Jesse says.

My eyes scan the abundance of lavish furniture throughout. There are tables and lounges everywhere. I begin to wonder where my garden would go if our backyard resembled this.

Where would the swing set for the kids go?

I never grew up with a swing set, let alone a yard. I always promised myself I would shelter my children from the life I grew up in. They would never know what it was like to go without sprinting across the lawn, running through sprinklers, and forming snow angels in the winter.

Where’s the space for all that?

“Ah! Callie, I love your dress!”

Lindsey stands before Jesse and I, styled in a white lace jumpsuit. Her acrylic nails fondle my ruffled one-shoulder strap when she asks, “Who’s the designer?”

“Champagne?”

My attention steers right to the woman holding a tray of slender glasses. “Sure. Thank you,” I respond.

I nod with a smile as she travels off, and then my eyes land on Lindsey. “I’m actually not sure. I bought it from Lulus.”

Her blue eyes light up within her bold lashes. “You know, I’ve come around to their dresses. At first, I was skeptical because there were no brands I recognized, but I might have to give it a try.”

Jesse’s palm lays on the small of my back as he stands beside me. “Where’s Roger?” he asks.