Page 16 of Dead to Me

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SHE TOOK YOUR FACE.

Milan

People tend to make mistakes when they think they’re safe. China spent the whole evening watching me, almost like she was waiting for something to happen. The last thing I wanted was to make her feel she had a reason to be nervous.

So I just smiled through dessert. I listened while Malcolm’s mother talked about floral arrangements. I let Aunt Renee ask if I planned to move back home. I even posed for some pictures. That part nearly made me laugh.

China stood next to me, her arm around my waist, while the photographer told us to lean in closer.

“Beautiful,” he said. “Now give me a real smile.”

China laughed. The camera flash went off. For a second, it felt like we were twenty again. Our smiles matched. No Malcolm between us.

The photographer put the camera down, and I suddenly remembered who was standing next to me. China gave my waist a gentle squeeze.

“I want a copy of that one.”

“Me too.”

She seemed surprised.

“You do?”

“Of course.”

The camera flashed again. I turned toward her.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“You keep looking at me like you’re waiting for my head to spin around.”

She laughed, but it sounded forced.

“I’m just so happy you’re here.”

“So you keep saying.”

China reached up and adjusted a strand of my hair. It was something she used to do when we were younger. Back when I let her. Back when her touch didn’t make me question what she was hiding.

“You know I love you, right?” she asked.

There were so many ways I could've answered.

Instead, I smiled.

“You’re getting sentimental.”

“I’m getting married tomorrow.”

“That explains it.”

Her hand dropped.

“Milan.”