ChapterThirteen
Delaney hid in her room the whole afternoon, not ashamed to admit it. Ethan had every right to be upset and angry with her. She could never tell him the real reason they broke up, why she left him. He wouldn’t understand. His pride, his ego could never conceive of a world in which she would have to protect him, when all he wanted to do was protect her. And she knew spending time with him would lead to her sharing more information that she wanted, risking her heart and more, and she was too afraid to take the chance. Eventually, the lack of sleep from the previous several nights had caught up with her and she slept.
A soft knock woke her. The sun was low in the sky, over the water, and the day was cooling off. She was disoriented for a moment, not sure if it was evening or morning. If only it were morning and she could put this whole day behind her. But no, she wouldn’t have that luck.
“It’s open.”
The door opened and Caroline peered in. “Good, you’re awake. We got pizza for dinner. Will you come down?”
Delaney rubbed the sleep from her eyes and sat up, stretching stiff muscles. “Is Ethan back?”
Caroline walked farther into the room, closing the door behind her. She sat on the edge of the bed. “You need to tell him.”
“Tell him what?” Delaney played stupid.
She had had years of practice, acting like a dumb blond with a lot of money and no brain to speak of. Imagine everyone’s surprise when she proved she was smart and could take care of herself. Actually, her act was so good, she had fooled herself until forced to step up.
Her friend watched her with perceptive eyes. “I know you. I know something had to have happened to make you split with Ethan. Was it his father? His stepmother?”
Delaney froze, the truth on the tip of her tongue. It had been so long since she had had someone to confide in, to rely on, to trust. But old habits died hard and she just couldn’t bring herself to revisit the old pain. Not now.
So she shook her head. “It’s in the past, Caro. Let’s leave it there.”
The other woman patted Delaney’s back. “Well, you owe Ethan an explanation. He’s going to demand one soon.” She stood. “Come downstairs to eat. We have another challenge tonight!”
Delaney groaned. “Come on, Caroline. I’m not in the mood for games. Especially now.”
“Tough. I’m the bride. I get my way in everything.”
Delaney stood and snorted. “That’s getting really old, Caro. Playing the bride card.”
“It’s the only time I’ll be able to use it. I hope.” She added the last sentence softly, almost to herself.
“We all hope so. No one can survive a week like this again.”
Caroline stopped at the door. “Has it really been so bad to be back with your friends again?”
Had it? Delaney had been dreading the week ever since Caroline had asked her to be her maid of honor, anticipation a knot of dread in her stomach. But now that it was here, how did she feel?
“No, it was the right time. I’m glad we had this chance to spend time together. It’s been a little awkward and stressful, but I think it’s all working out.”
“And you and Ethan?”
Delaney ducked her head. “I’m not sure where that’s going, if anywhere. So much has changed and other things haven’t. I’ve changed, and I have a lot going on right now, a lot of decisions to make in my life.”
“That won’t change, Laney. Life is all about changes. It’s how we grow.”
Delaney sat on the bed. “My mom is moving to Arizona.”
Caroline followed her. “That’s great! Houston held so many terrible memories for her.”
“She said something to me before I left for the island. She said I haven’t been living, just treading water. Now I realize she may have been right. I mean, you’re getting married. Anna is a successful actress. Brigid is working toward becoming a partner. Ethan has a vineyard. Everyone has moved on while I sit in the museum basement making schedules for museum tours.”
“So, what do you want to do?”
Delaney sighed. “I don’t know. But I think it’s time I figured it out.”
“Does Ethan fit in to this new plan?”