Chapter 3 - THE MAN WHO REMEMBERED THE SMALL THINGS
I followed Clara back toward the reception hall.
Emma stood near the garden doors, holding a champagne flute.
“There you are!”
She looked relieved.
Then annoyed.
“Where have you been?”
Clara smiled.
“Just outside.”
Emma glanced at her face.
“Have you been crying?”
Clara hesitated.
“No.”
Emma sighed.
“Clara, please. Not today.”
I felt something cold move through my chest.
Clara lowered her eyes.
“I'm sorry.”
Emma continued.
“The photographer needs us for family pictures.”
I stepped forward.
“She needed a minute.”
Emma looked at me.
“Nathan?”
I nodded.
“Hi, Emma.”
She blinked.
Then smiled.
“Oh. I didn't know you two were talking.”
Clara looked uncomfortable.
Emma glanced between us.
Then laughed.
“Well, don't keep him out here. He's one of the few single men left at this wedding.”
Clara's face went pale.
I looked at Emma.
“Actually, I was hoping Clara would sit with me during dinner.”
Emma stared.
“What?”
“She hasn't eaten.”
Clara turned toward me.
I smiled.
“And I hear the chicken is good.”
Emma hesitated.
Then shrugged.
“Fine. Just don't disappear before the speeches.”
She walked away.
Clara looked at me.
“You didn't have to do that.”
“I know.”
She studied me.
Then smiled faintly.
“Thank you.”
I shrugged.
May you like
“I'm selfish. I hate eating alone.”
For the first time that afternoon, Clara laughed without tears.
