Caroline began barking orders, but Delaney focused on Ethan, who had been silent since the return.
She nudged him and leaned over. “Are you worried about the vineyard?”
He nodded. “I know my manager can handle it, but it’s mine, you know? Any chance of me sneaking away for the day?”
Delaney glanced at her watch. Mid-afternoon. “Not if you want to get back today.”
“I can’t leave now. Maybe tomorrow. What’s the schedule?”
“No clue. But knowing Caro, it’s packed with errands, more for us than you guys. She’d understand if you have to leave.”
He frowned. “Let me check on the weather and the schedule.” He hesitated. “Did you want to come with me?”
Surprise was quickly replaced by a flush of pleasure tinged with caution. An escape from the pressure would be great. Spending time with Ethan, like the old days, would be a bonus. Although she was here to reconnect with her friends, not just Ethan, and leaving her friends—especially the bride—might not be the wisest option. Leaving the safety and isolation of the island, heading into the reality of the mainland, also might not be smart, especially if she needed to keep her distance and protect her heart. The silence between them dragged on and the cautious hope on Ethan’s face was replaced with a closed mask.
“Forget I mentioned it. I can go alone.” He looked away.
She laid her hand on his arm, then put two fingers under his chin and turned him back to her. “It’s not that, Ethan. I’m not sure we should spend more time together. The week will end.”
“We don’t have to end just because the week ends.”
“Do you think everything will magically go away, be resolved, just like that?” She snapped her fingers, then spread her fingers.
“How the hell should I know? I don’t even know what went wrong back then. I don’t know how to fix it, or anything.”
He jumped up, knocking the chair back against the wall. Everyone turned and stared at them, silence reigning. Delaney’s face heated, and she stared at her hands, twisting in her lap. Ethan looked wild for a moment, eyes rapidly scanning the room.
“I’ve got to get out of here. See you later.” He fled the room, avoiding all gazes.
After Ethan had left, Delaney also stood, more slowly, more controlled. She met everyone’s gaze evenly and calmly, even though her stomach was flipping and churning. She tightly clasped her hands in front of her, hands aching at the strength of her grip. “Excuse me. I need to lie down for a few minutes.”
She walked out of the room, head held high, warmth staining her face. No one said a word. She maintained her calm facade as she slowly walked up the stairs to her room. Once she had closed the door, she gave in to the tears that had threatened all week. She cried for the past, for the present, for the future that never was and never could be. But, most of all, she cried for herself. For the first time in five years.