The next morning, I found myself smiling all through my Pilates class. So much so, the teacher probably thought I’d taken up some kind of happy drug overnight. Instead, it was the evening with Darby that had me grinning like a loon. Since the inn burned down and all the stress and hassle of rebuilding, I hadn’t had a night where I didn’t think about work. It had barely crossed my mind last night.
When I was a kid, my father often said the most successful people were those obsessed with something. He meant a career and not relationships. If one met him, one knew immediately that his career as a high-powered attorney dressed in thousand-dollar suits was his top priority. It certainly wasn’t his children. When Trey and then I had rejected his way of life and his chosen profession, the only parts of him that were connected to his children were suffocated, leaving us with the knowledge that some parents love conditionally.
I hadn’t spoken to him since before my brother Trey married Autumn, which was before I’d come here to buy and rebuild the former Annabelle Higgins mansion into an inn. However, my father’s lessons endured for both Trey and me. We were both obsessed with our work. Trey had fallen in love with design in college. I’d loved cooking and taking care of guests, if only in my mind, for as long as I could remember. While some little girls played school or family, I played innkeeper. Mom says it was after we visited an inn back east when I was three that I became obsessed with the idea of opening one of my own. In my journals from high school, there are all these notes about what I would do when I owned my own inn, including the details that made it into reality.
I’d studied English in college but minored in hospitality and also took cooking classes and sommelier workshops to learn everything I could about creating elevated experiences for the wealthy. Why? I don’t know for sure, other than making something delectable or beautiful gave me great pleasure. Taking my father’s philosophy of life, I’d decided early on that I would find a way to own my own luxury inn. I hadn’t wanted to run a resort or spa like some of my classmates but rather an old-fashioned quaint inn, located in a rustic, touristy setting. Emerson Pass and the Higgins mansion had been perfect for me. That is, until the fire ripped away my dreams.
For months afterward, I walked around in a haze. All my attention and energy had gone into transforming the faded interiors into a marriage of dark wood and light walls, with antique dressers and beds in every room. I’d scoured antique shops to find just the right pieces and had happily had them placed in what I felt were the right rooms. In a trunk in the attic, I’d found faded, thin paper patterns of some of Annabelle’s creations as well as bits of fabric and lace, all of which I’d had framed for artwork in the rooms and hallways.
All was lost in one terrifying night. I was happy for my life and that none of my guests had been harmed, obviously. But it hurt.
Since then, I’d hunkered down and started over. My father might be a stubborn, selfish man, but he taught me how to work for what I wanted. I supposed I should be grateful to him for that.
When I got back from my exercise class, I showered, still smiling. After I’d blown out my hair, it occurred to me that I hadn’t posted the photographs I’d taken. In fact, I’d been so shaken up after that kiss I hadn’t trusted myself to even look at them for fear I’d be down the hall knocking on Darby’s door before I could come to my senses.
Now I picked up the phone and pulled up the photos. I’d snapped several of him kissing my cheek but only one of our full kiss. I hadn’t even realized I’d captured that moment, so overcome with the taste and feel of his expressive mouth. Good Lord, he was hot. The line of his jaw would have looked snobby and aristocratic if it weren’t for the adorable cleft in his chin. The two of us pressed together like that was also pretty hot. I liked the way my straight blond hair contrasted with his thick dark waves.
The hour was getting late, and I really needed to get to work. But first, I wanted to post the photo on my Instagram. I’d have to tell the girls what was going on via text or I’d have four calls come through all at once. Actually, I should do that first before they saw it and freaked out. And got their hopes up. These romantics would immediately run away with the idea of Darby and me finally getting together. You have no time or inclination toward any romantic notions, I reminded myself, as I gazed once more at our kissing photo. Even I didn’t believe myself.
I texted our group chat, which consisted of Tiffany, Stormi, Brandi, Crystal, and me.
Don’t get excited over the Instagram post with Darby and me kissing. It’s a ruse to make his old girlfriend suffer a little.
As expected, various texts came back. I’d have to answer them later. Or appease them anyway. I wrote back: I’ll explain everything later. Nothing to get hopeful over. Just a friend pact. I’m still the group spinster.
After shutting that down, I pulled up Facebook and Instagram and sent a friend request to Arianna. She accepted almost immediately. The life of an influencer, I supposed. They lived online. Once I knew she’d be looking at my feed, I posted one of the photographs of him kissing my cheek and what I hoped told Arianna exactly what I wanted her to think.
This guy. My everything. #luckiestgirlever #dreamscometrue #mytruelove #myheart #lovewins
Feeling pleased with myself, I donned one of my favorite dresses—a silky lavender dress that was appropriate for work—and tried not to think about whether Darby would think I looked nice in it. Keep your head, girl, I warned myself.
I took special care with my makeup before going to work. It was already ten by the time I arrived. Maisy was at the front desk talking on the phone. Hopefully, booking a guest, I thought, as I flipped on the light switch. I’d no sooner opened my emails when a knock on the door stole my attention. It was Maisy with Arianna right on her heels. That didn’t take long. She’d seen the photograph.
“Sorry to interrupt,” Maisy said. “But Ms. Bush needs a minute.”
I motioned for her to come on in and stood to greet her. “Hi, Arianna. What can I do for you?”
“Well, I came by to give you a heads-up on something.” She stood awkwardly in the doorway.
“Come in,” I said. “Have a seat. What’s up? Is there something in the contract that’s bothering you?”
“No, not exactly. It’s just that, well, this is such a weird coincidence but your boyfriend—he and I used to date.”
“Sure, he mentioned it. Briefly. He said it was not a big deal—just a blip in his life.” I don’t know why that particular thing came out of my mouth, other than this overwhelming urge to hurt her as she’d hurt Darby.
She paled slightly. “Oh, well, that’s strange because we were together for several years.”
“Yes, but you cheated on him with his high school friend. Isn’t that right? Which would make you an unfortunate time in his life. But he’s moved on, obviously. That’s what healthy people do when they’ve been wronged. Put it behind them and move onto something better.”
She paled further. “Um, yeah, that’s right. I didn’t want it to be awkward if I happened to run into Darby here at the inn. I mean, since he’s your boyfriend, he might stop by a lot so I thought I should warn you.” She was babbling, which made me quite happy.
“You won’t believe this,” I said. “But he’s also the contractor we’ve hired for the gazebo. I’m sure that won’t matter to you, but since we’re taking so openly, I figured I should mention it.”
“He’s Dickens Construction?”
“That’s right.”
She appeared gob-smacked for a moment, staring down at the floor. I could almost hear the machinations of her mind as she put it together. Finally, she looked up at me, her composure restored. “I should have figured it out. Who else would name their business that?” She narrowed her eyes. “And you didn’t know I was his ex? It doesn’t bother you?”
“After I asked him if he could do me a favor and use his extraordinary talents to help a client, he said yes, of course—he’ll do anything for me.” I was really laying it on thick. “He’s so sweet and supportive. I’m sure you remember how he treated you. Anyway, when he told me who you were, he thought you might not want to hire him but I felt sure you wouldn’t care. It’s been several years, after all.”
“That’s right.” She tugged on a dangly topaz earring that matched her eyes. I disliked her quite a bit for those eyes. “It might be better if we found someone else. You know, someone who didn’t have a past with me. I mean, he would essentially be helping his ex to make the perfect wedding day.”
“There’s no one else,” I said flatly, enjoying myself a little more than I should.
Her forehead crinkled, and a pinch of irritation pursed her mouth. “That seems unlikely.”
“This town lost a lot in the fire, and every good contractor’s booked up.”
“I thought Darby was a teacher now.” She seemed uncertain, perhaps wondering if she had the right to ask questions about him. As people do when they wronged someone and then disappeared from their life, I thought to myself.
“He is. A very popular teacher, actually. He was the graduation speaker last year.” Although I hadn’t been there to hear his speech, Brandi had said he’d killed it, merging the perfect amount of humor and serious life lessons. “Like I said, he’s doing me a favor, and if it’s not him, then there’s no way I can make your dream day a reality.”
She shifted in the chair, crossing one leg, then the other. “What did he tell you about how things ended between us?”
“He told me the whole story. You cheated on him with his best friend from high school and broke his heart.” Apparently, I had a mean streak. One that enjoyed torturing women like Arianna. “You really hurt him, but he’s good now. Better than good.” I fought the urge to lick my lips as if we’d had great sex that morning. Laying it on too thick could backfire.
“That’s nice to hear.” She tugged on her earring again. A nervous habit, I thought. She shouldn’t play poker.
“Anyway, I don’t think this is a problem.” I spoke with my best hostess assurance. “He’s long past all that. We’ll get your gazebo built, and you’ll have the day you’ve dreamed of.”
“Good. Yes, I feel better now.” She tossed her hair behind her shoulders. “I’m glad I came by. I felt, well, unsure what to do when I saw your photograph this morning. I had no idea he was here in town or I wouldn’t have been so insistent on getting married in Emerson Pass. He disappeared after we broke up. I couldn’t reach him by phone or email. He blocked me, is what I mean to say.” She paused, staring past me toward the window. “I didn’t mean to hurt him, you know. It just happened—this thing between Rob and me. My feelings for Rob overpowered everything. I knew I had to break up with Darby or hurt him worse by continuing to lie to him. It wasn’t until I’d already told Darby I wanted out that I realized he was about to propose. I don’t know how I missed it, to be honest. Thinking back, it was obvious that’s what he was planning. I felt like the worst person in the world. But sometimes, one has to save oneself before they can be any good to others.”
I tried to find a little sympathy for her, but nothing came. Instead, I found some understanding. Arianna Bush was the type of woman who hadn’t had to struggle for anything ever. She’d been born rich, beautiful, and intelligent. However, it was not my right to judge her. If she’d fallen for another man, breaking up with Darby had been the right thing to do.
Arianna stood, smoothing her hands over her high-waisted linen pants. She was tall and slender and looked good in those pants, darn her. My curvier petite stature was not flattered by these high-waisted jeans and leotard shirts, thus I never wore them. But she looked amazing in them. “Thanks for letting me come by.” She held out her hand. “I hope you’ll give Darby my best. And let him know I’d love the chance to see him if he’d be open to it.”
“I’ll pass that message on to him. He’ll be here around four this afternoon with some of the materials. He’ll be working after school.” I shook my head. “I don’t know how he does it. Such loyalty to the kids and then his girlfriend requests a gazebo.”
“Ex-girlfriend,” Arianna said, obviously mistaking my meaning.
“His current girlfriend, that is.” I smiled to take the edge off, sorry to embarrass her. Sort of.
“Of course.” She flushed. “What an idiot I am.”
“Not at all.” I gestured toward to door. “Let me walk you out.”
“That’s not necessary. I know you’re probably busy.” She gave me a stiff smile and turned on her four-inch heels toward the door.
When the clicking of her stilettos faded, I got out my phone to text Darby. To my surprise, there was one from him.
I saw the photo of us on Breck’s Instagram this morning. He came before work to show it to me and asked me a lot of questions. You’ve caused quite a stir in the friend group! I had to talk fast to fill them all in on what we’re up to. I hope you’re having a good day. I’ll see you later. Looking forward to it. Very much.
I smiled into the phone, knowing I would have to explain it all in detail to the ladies. For now, I texted back to Darby.
Lots to tell you but SHE WHO SHALL NOT BE NAMED came by just now. In brief, she saw the photo and came down to the office. Almost immediately afterward and the plan is working perfectly. I’ll tell all when you get here this afternoon.
I waited for a response, but none came. He was probably in the middle of morning classes. It was only ten, and already I was counting the minutes until I could see him.
* * *
Darby showed up a few minutes before four with a load of wood in the back of his truck. I went out to the parking lot to greet him. The afternoon was one of our perfect autumn days, full of sunshine and a freshness in the air. He wore faded jeans, a T-shirt, and a baseball cap with “Cliffside Bay” etched across the top. Sunglasses covered half of his face and it wasn’t until he ripped them from his face and grinned at me that I knew all was fine between us. “There you are. My coconspirator.”
I breathed a sigh of relief. I hadn’t heard from him after my last text. Had I made a mistake to post the photograph without speaking to him first? But all those fears dissipated when he reached for me and swung me up into his arms, twirling me around in a circle. “I can’t tell you how good that felt this morning—seeing the photo and knowing she came running over here,” he said when he put me back on my feet.
“I was worried you were mad.” My voice sounded more vulnerable than I expected. I didn’t like that, but I didn’t seem to have much control over myself with good old Dickens-loving Darby.
“Why would I be mad?” His brow furrowed as he gazed at me with curiosity in his eyes. “We agreed to the plan last night.”
“Yes, well, I didn’t hear from you today so I wasn’t sure.”
“Ah, I see.” He brushed my shoulder with his fingertips. “You’re that type.”
“What type?”
“Like me. You worry about stuff and overthink everything.”
“Yes, that about sums it up,” I said, chuckling to hide how he’d touched me. He gets me, I thought. And seems to like me anyway.
His eyes roamed up and down my body, causing quivers in all the right places. “You’re dressed too nice to help me unload this wood, but I’m dying to hear about your conversation with Arianna.”
I didn’t like hearing her name from his mouth. What was wrong with me? I truly needed to get myself together.
“I’ve got to go inside and get ready to do the wine-and-cheese thing or I would help.” I scanned the piles of wood in the truck. “You don’t have a truck.” I hadn’t thought about it until just now. “Where’s your car?”
“Well, that’s a sad story that I’ll tell you later. Breck lent me his truck for as long as I need it. He’s so cool that way.”
“He is. Tiffany too. They’d give their friends the shirts off their backs if they thought we needed it.”
“Agreed. What time will you be done inside?” Darby asked. “I’m planning on working until dark.”
“Now that I have more staff, I usually head home around eight. I have someone scheduled to man the desk for late check-ins and ensuring all the guests are settled for the night.” I’d have liked to have someone stay through the night, but I couldn’t afford it. Instead, I just made sure guests knew when they checked in that no one would be at the front desk past ten.
“I could make you dinner tonight.” Darby’s feet made a crunching sound in the loose gravel of the parking lot as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “If you don’t mind frozen pizza and beer.”
My chest expanded and hummed. He wanted to see me tonight. “No, come to my apartment. I’ll make us something quick and easy.”
“You sure?”
I smiled at him, noticing the way the rays of afternoon sun illuminated his eyes, making them appear more green than hazel. “I’m sure. I’ll see you around nine?”
“I’ll be there.” He turned toward the truck. “For now, I need to hustle. Where’s the best place to put all this?”
I asked him if he could store it outside the little fence that surrounded my grassy lawn where the natural grasses and flowers had grown over the summer. I’d enjoyed seeing the greenery return, but a gazebo and some additional grass around it would give everything a more finished look. All in all, it would be a good addition. Hopefully my current guests would look past the construction and focus on the river that glistened in the late-afternoon sun.
He agreed and then waved me away. “Go on. Go pour your wine.”
I said goodbye and made my way through the loose gravel to the front porch of my inn, hoping my butt didn’t look too big. In case he was watching, that is. When I turned back to see for myself, he was reaching for a stack of two-by-fours. Well, that’s that, I thought. Don’t get too excited about this guy. He’s only interested in being my friend. I must remember that and rein in my romantic notions.
Good luck with that, a voice whispered to me.