ChapterFive
The car ride was silent the entire way around the small island to the gated community where Caroline’s family’s house was. Delaney could almost hear Ethan’s thoughts, tension radiating off him in waves, threatening to capsize her fragile commitment to her plans, sending her fleeing back to her home to hide like she’d been doing for five years. No more. The time for hiding was over. It was time to reclaim her life, whatever life that might be. Despite their conversation, and both proclaiming everything was settled, she doubted anything had been resolved. No, there was too much between them for it to be over with a quick two-minute discussion. She dreaded the deeper conversation, knowing somehow it would be far more painful than anything else she had experienced, and maybe not the cathartic moment she had hoped for.
Ethan steered the truck through the little village, with its souvenir shops, ice cream places, and seafood stands, which brought back memories of years gone by—happier times. She rolled the window down to breathe in the salty, fresh air, free of pollutants and smog. The island restricted vehicle access by limiting parking, keeping roads narrow and providing bikes and other forms of transportation, making cars unnecessary and a burden for most people.
She closed her eyes and inhaled the bracing sea air then slowly exhaled, her troubles rolling off her like the water receding from the beach. She leaned back and let the island do its magic and relieve her of all stress.
Far too soon, they drove through the gate to the enclave and past several houses set back from the road, a distance from each other, designed to give a little privacy to each homeowner but enough visibility to show the neighbors what they were doing. These were beyond cottages, beyond houses, really. Most were summer homes, decorated to reflect the cottage or French countryside or whatever was in style that year. There was little activity in the front. All yard maintenance was done during the week, when the family or guests weren’t there. Today was Sunday, a day to rest and hang out at the beach. On the island, it was warm and humid like the rest of Texas, but the sea breeze was refreshing. She couldn’t wait to go for a walk on the beach, listening to the waves and the seagulls. That was the best part about Whitby. The beaches were all private, except the one on the Gulf side, near the village, so people felt alone, secluded, peaceful while they dug their toes in the sand and played in the Gulf of Mexico.
Ethan pulled into a driveway and up to a familiar gray-blue house with white shutters. Nothing much had changed on the outside, yet just seeing the house brought back waves of tension. A sudden, insane urge to beg him to take her back home, back across the Gulf and home to Houston, overcame her. She gripped the strap of her purse, twisting it. What to do? Stay here with Ethan and be burned alive in the feelings welling up or face the dragons, the three women she’d bailed on all those years ago? It was a no-win situation, but her cowardice with Ethan won out.
Ethan clicked off the engine but didn’t move to get out. He shifted in his seat to face her. “Laney...”
She was shaking her head before he could finish his thought. She needed her space. “Thanks for the ride, Ethan.” She pushed open the door and slid out. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing you at some point.”
She grabbed her bags out of the back of the truck cab and slammed the door, feeling his hard stare on her back the entire way up the walkway. It was her first time back in this world, and she had no idea who she was, how she should act, what was expected. She squared her shoulders and strode up to the front door. Fake it until you make it. Good motto for the week. Focus on the prize—Caroline’s wedding. She took a deep, cleansing breath and raised her hand, but the door swung open before she could knock.
Caroline stood on the other side, enveloping her in a giant bear hug, taking all choices away from her. “You made it! You’re the first. Ethan, thanks for giving Delaney a ride. I’ll send Matthew out to help unload the wine.”
Delaney hugged her back, the years apart falling away. “I’m so happy to be here, Caroline. Thanks for inviting me.”
Caroline shot her a strange look. “Of course I had to have my best friend here. What’s a little time away after all we’ve been through? Our debutante balls, many crushes. You helped me get back at that counselor when he publicly embarrassed me because I got my period, remember?”
Delaney groaned. “He was such a jerk. But we got him back.”
Together they said, “Hair remover in his shampoo!”
“He freaked out all week until he figured it out.” Caroline wiped her eyes. “See? I need my best friend, my cohort in crime, to be my maid of honor. You even taught me how to kiss!”
“Kissing?” Matthew Coughlin strolled into the foyer just in time for the last statement. “Can we see some of that this week?”
Caroline laughed and playfully punched Matt.
He grinned and hugged Delaney, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. “Great to see you, Laney. Glad you could make it. Now, about that kissing.”
Caroline pushed Matt toward the door. “Ethan’s here. Give him a hand with the wine.”
Matt wandered out the door and manly greetings ensued, along with some backslapping.
Caroline shut the door and grabbed the garment bag. “Leave that bag here. One of the guys will bring it up.”
“I’ve got it.” Anything to avoid Ethan for a little longer. Delaney took a deep breath and looked around the foyer and into the living room. “You redecorated?” She suppressed the stab of disappointment. Of course they’d redecorated. It was no longer the fall home of four college girls, but a family residence. And many years had passed, styles had changed. “It looks nice.”
Caroline’s gaze followed hers. “Oh, yeah. Mom changed it a few years back. She and Daddy had gone to Europe and Mom fell in love with Tuscany.” She squeezed Delaney again. “Anyway, I’m so glad you could get away for the week. We’re going to have so much fun. I put you in your old room. Is that okay?”
They walked toward the stairs when Delaney froze. On a side table opposite the stairs sat a lamp. Not just any lamp. The lamp. Found on a yard sale hunt years ago in their freshman year at college, this lamp had followed them fall to fall to the island. They had looked for the most eclectic and obnoxious decoration they could find, their little rebellion from the strictures of their parents. More at home in a bordello, the garish, red velvet lamp with gold tassels was as out of place here as Delaney felt. “I can’t believe you kept it!”
Caroline’s brow furrowed. “Of course I kept it. It was our fall prize.”
“Or punishment. I can’t believe your mother allowed you to put that monstrosity here.”
“She doesn’t know it’s here, and it’ll be gone by Friday. Won by one of you.”
Delaney shot her a look, but Caroline just dragged her up the stairs, chattering away about wedding plans, updates on friends and people they knew, and other inane topics as she led Delaney down the hall to the room she’d claimed every fall on the island.
Caroline walked into the room, running her hand on the white dresser and the lilac-colored bedspread. “Mom went crazy for the wedding and redid the rooms, too. She was tired of the nautical theme. I hope this is okay.”
Delaney dragged the suitcase into the room and closed the door behind her. “It’s lovely. I’m really excited to be spending time with you and the girls. I know I wasn’t there as much the past few years, but I really want to help this week. What can I do?”