Page 51 of Among the Stars

“Anything you want to share?” she asked the pillar beside her.

“Not today.” Dark eyes lingered on the slender goddess who’d just snubbed him, and Veronica’s heart fell.

She knew that look. That was how Ash had looked when he’d told her about Jesse all those years ago. About the woman he’d never forgotten and was marrying in fifteen minutes.

“I need to check on the kitchen,” Cam said. “I’ll be back after the ceremony.”

“You’re the best woman’s date,” she reminded him. “I saved you a seat near the front.” They’d agreed to keep up their fake relationship through the wedding. He had a role to play. A role that ended tonight. “And try not to watch her the whole time. I’m getting enough pity stares as it is.”

With that, she spun on her heel and strode off, ignoring Cam’s demand for her to wait.

* * *

“What a beautiful ceremony,”said the woman sitting beside Cam as the couple made their way down the aisle. “I don’t know why I cry at weddings, but I always do.” Cam handed her the handkerchief tucked in his suit coat pocket. “Oh, what a chivalrous thing to do.” The stranger sniffled. “Are you the man who owns this restaurant?” she asked.

“I am.”

“I thought so. I’m Millie Hopewell. I run the Sunshine Academy for children, and I’ve never had the chance to thank you in person for your generous donations over the last couple of years.”

Cam recognized the name. He’d first donated through the Kids & The Arts charity foundation where Samantha was on the board. The center for underprivileged children had hit a nerve with him, especially after he’d visited the facility and met some of the students. Several reminded him of himself at their age. Even after Samantha had ended their engagement, Cam continued to contribute to the school.

“You’re welcome. If there’s ever more I can do, don’t hesitate to contact me.”

“Thank you,” she said again. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

The guests were filing out of the rows, starting with the family at the front, and Cam’s row was next. A quick check revealed the buffet was up and ready on the back side of the room where they’d arranged tables for the meal. Before the band played their first note, the rows of chairs from the ceremony would be cleared for dancing.

Fighting for patience, Cam followed the crowd until he could break away to find Veronica. He spotted her lingering near the happy couple, half listening to whatever the maid of honor was saying. She was making no effort to seek him out, and Cam cursed himself for the idiot that he was. Seeing Samantha had taken him by surprise. When Veronica had offered the chance to explain, he’d shut her out. What else was she supposed to think?

Determined to correct his mistake, Cam maneuvered through the crowd to reach her side. “We need to talk,” he said in a low voice.

“There you are.” Veronica wrapped her arm around his, playing the happy girlfriend without missing a beat. “We’re at the table with the bride and groom. I think we’ll get to visit the buffet first.”

“Yes, we will.” He’d run through the schedule with his staff less than an hour ago.

“Good. I’m starving.” She followed the maid of honor to the main table, and Cam trailed behind, dodging guests who were still deciding where to sit.

“Veronica, please,” he whispered in her ear.

She shook her head. “Don’t.”

No sooner had they taken their seats than Randall came by to send them for food. Irritated by the rebuff, Cam tried escorting her away from the crowd.

“What are you doing?” she asked, tugging her hand from his grip. “The food is the other way.”

“I need to talk to you.”

Jaw tight, she muttered, “There’s nothing to talk about. In a few hours, you’ll be relieved of your duty as my fake boyfriend, and none of this will matter.”

Anger and hurt ripped through him, and Cam lashed out. “I can end that duty now.”

She flinched but kept her chin high. “Fine by me.”

Cam steeled himself as she walked away. When she passed by Samantha, Veronica turned to meet his gaze with hurt reflected in her own. He knew what she was thinking, but his pride kept him rooted to the spot. She refused to let him explain, and Cam would not grovel for another man’s sins.

* * *

Veronica never imaginedthe breakup of a fake relationship could feel so real. But nothing had really been fake between them. Not for her.