I saw something in her face that I’ll never forget as long as I live.
She was waiting to see what I would do.
She was waiting to find out if this is what happens. If this is just what women get. If a man says you’re not good enough in front of a hundred and fifty people, you just stand there and take it.
I opened my mouth.
Nothing came out.
But then Edward smiled.
It wasn’t a big smile. It was calm. Friendly, even. He looked at Max the way you’d look at a student who just said something wrong in class.
“Well, Max,” Edward said. His voice was easy. Pleasant. Loud enough to carry. “I brought you a gift. I’ll go get it for you.”
Max blinked.
“A gift?”
“It’s a wedding,” said Edward. “People bring gifts.” He squeezed my hand. “Back in five minutes.”
And he
