Page 10 of Dead to Me

“I’m going to get a drink,” I said.

“Of course.”

She touched my hand before letting me go.

“I’m glad you came home.”

The bartender gave me some sparkling water with lime. I had just taken a sip when I sensed someone next to me. I knew who it was before he said anything.

“You always hated sparkling water.”

Malcolm. I kept my eyes on the glass.

“I hated a lot of things at twenty-four.”

He leaned against the bar.

“People change.”

“They do.”

“Prison changes people.”

I turned slowly.

“Is that what you came over here to ask me?”

His jaw tightened.

“No.”

“Then what?”

He looked over at China. She stood across the room, talking with one of her bridesmaids.

“I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

I laughed softly.

“You and China should coordinate. She’s already asked me that.”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

His eyes stayed on mine.

“You showing up like this.”

“Like what?”

I raised my eyebrows.

“Were you expecting me to be unstable?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“No, that’s what everyone else said.”