June shrugs, her towel hanging precariously over her tits. “Don’t ask me. Maybe they’ll bring her inside.” She looks at her perfectly manicured nails. “You two missed a fab buffet luncheon.”
Luncheon? Call it lunch, you pretentious model.
But it’s not June I’m angry with.
“We’re not hungry,” Emily says.
She’s right. My stomach may be hungry, but my mind can’t stand the thought of food.
I’m happy for Brett and the guys. Truly. Their friend isn’t dead after all.
But there’s some serious baggage there. I can sense it. It’s abundantly clear in the way Brett and River have completely ignored Emily and me since Jake’s arrival.
“Well, get hungry, because we’re having a bachelorette celebration for Ariel tonight, and I know you two don’t want to miss the festivities.”
I force a smile. “Of course not. We’re Ariel’s bridesmaids, after all.”
“Yes, we’ll be there with bells on, and all that,” Emily says dryly.
“I guess I’ll head upstairs,” June says. “I want to talk to that gorgeous newcomer.”
“Jake?” I ask.
She nods. “Do we have any other gorgeous newcomers?”
I stop my jaw from dropping. “Why are you looking for him?”
“It’s a delicious surprise.” June flashes a smile that promises something devious.
Emily sighs. “Can’t wait.”
June heads toward the stairway.
I turn to Emily. “What the hell do you suppose that’s about?”
“I don’t have a bloody clue. Nor do I care.”
“We should care, though. This is for Ariel.”
Emily exhales a sharp breath. “You’re right, of course. I hope Alex doesn’t do anything stupid and call off the nuptials in light of Jake’s arrival.”
I widen my eyes. “No. He wouldn’t.”
“Wouldn’t he?”
I regard Emily’s fair complexion, her sparkling blue eyes.She and I linger in silence after June disappears upstairs, her towel flapping.
“She’s up to something,” I murmur.
“June is always up to something,” Emily agrees. “She’s only slightly less manipulative than Misty. The question is what—and who—is she aiming at this time?”
I glance at her. “Jake?”
Emily twists her lips. “Obviously. But that’s not what worries me.”
I shift my weight, arms crossing. “What are you thinking?”
“If June stirs the pot just right, Alex might walk away from the whole thing.”
