Chapter 3 Back home from the hospital , I unearthed several dusty camera bags from the back of my bookshelf relics of a life Id deliberately buried .
The camera felt foreign in my hands , its batteries long dead .
While the charger did its work , I slipped the memory card into my computer and opened the forgotten photos .
The first showed me treating a woman for cholera on a dirt road in Congo .
The second captured a child soldier , barely five , dwarfed by his rifle .
The third revealed refugees in East Meridian Province , huddled under tattered shelters … The scent of smoke and dust seemed to seep through the screen , yanking me back .
My chest tightened , pain spreading like tendrils through my body .
I leaned back , eyes closed , willing my pulse to slow .
A wry smile crossed my lips .
Would Jackson still call me obedient and docile if he saw these ? My phone buzzed Jackson texting the restaurant address .
Tonight was the dinner with his wedding party .
I had few close friends , so they were all his people .
But this wasnt just any gathering .
Sara had come home .
By the time I arrived , theyd ordered.
Jackson sat at the head of the table , Sara beside him .
No place had been set for me .
Sara noticed my arrival with a smirk , looking me up and down .
Just grab a chair wherever , she said casually .
I pulled one to the furthest corner .
Jackson watched impassively , saying nothing .
Sara , we didnt think youd make it back ! someone broke the silence .
Miss Zoeys wedding ? Id crawl here if I had to just to see who hes marrying.
Knowing looks passed around the table , laughter tinged with mockery .
Well , you two do have history .
The conversation centered on Sara after that .
She regaled them with tales : Celestial Sea tuna fishing , hiking the Camino de Santiago , scaling Uluru .
They hung on every word , eyes shining with admiration .
Zoey , how can you go to such dangerous places as a woman ? Hmph ! Sara shot me a glance , voice dripping with disdain .
Some of us think beyond cooking and 17:42 Backup Girl No More : Adios To My V Card and My First Love 17.2 % Chapter 3 .
playing housewife .
The words cut deep .
I knocked back a shot of tequila , its burn numbing my tongue until the food lost all taste .
She commanded the room , and Jackson … Jackson watched her with such tenderness his gaze could melt butter .
During her story about Saharah Kingdomian scammers , she turned to him suddenly .
Want to learn how to say my darling in France ? Jackson hesitated , then shook his head .
Ill teach you ! She leaned into his shoulder , whispering in his ear .
Chérie ~ He gently straightened her , ears flushing pink .
Sit properly … Say it with me ! He sighed , yielding to her playful persistence .
Chéri … Perfect ! Youre my chérie ~ Her eyes danced mischievously before fixing on me .
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