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“Oh, of course. They’ve been chasing me for a reference for you, but I haven’t had a chance to reply yet. I promise I’ll do it when I get back, though.” He grins, probably noticing the frown on my face. “Don’t worry. I have nothing but good things to say about you, Lennon.”
“Phew, thanks,” I say, relieved. “I’m looking forward to getting back to work.”
“That, right there, shows how raw you still are,” he chuckles. “Give it ten years and you’ll be dreading going back, especially after spending time in an oasis like this. What brings you to Hawaii, anyway? Christmas with the family?”
“Um, just here with a few friends,” I say, uneasily. “One of them is getting married, and this is their last blast as a single. Speaking of which, I’m late for whatever it is they have planned for today, so if you’ll excuse me, John, I’d better get going.”
He nods. “Well, have fun. Maybe I’ll see you around? Meet up for a drink, or something?”
Oh, God. I hope not.
“Maybe,” I say, not wanting to commit myself to that scenario. “If not, enjoy your stay, and thanks for the reference.” I turn on my heels and walk off in the opposite direction, praying he doesn’t see Darcy and put two and two together, to make the obvious four.
She’s so stressed out as it is, and I don’t want to keep anything from her, but I also don’t want to make her even more anxious by telling her about this.
Lord, can anything else go wrong to screw up our plans?
Chapter Eight
Darcy
I can’t believe I’m getting married tomorrow.
This whole week has been a whirlwind of stress, anxiety and tears, and to be honest, I can’t wait until it’s over. I’m sure Lennon has been as stressed as I have, though he doesn’t seem to show it. Having his parents here is a trigger for him, because he knows they don’t agree with this marriage, but he seems to be taking all the many challenges we’ve had in his stride. Then there was the little stunt I pulled with my cousin, which didn’t help. It hasn’t really sunk in yet that I’m about to become a married woman. Until now.
Married at nineteen? The thought both terrifies and excites me. Things have moved so fast between us this past year, but it feels so right. I can’t imagine anything more perfect than being with him for the rest of my life. When I think about where I’ll be in thirty years, he’s right there beside me. That’s got to mean something, right? I can’t wait until it’s all over. Tomorrow, we can start our honeymoon and I can wake up with him next to me, forever. I pick up my phone and text him.
Me: I know I said we can’t see each other today, but…
Lennon: Can’t live without me?
Me: Smart ass. Breakfast?
Lennon: Ok. Meet you there xo
I feel glowing as I walk into the café and spot Lennon. The usually quiet, laid back beach shack is bursting with energy today. With the restaurant closed for repairs, it’s the only eatery open within the grounds of the resort, and everyone’s piling in to get breakfast.
I give him a smile, and a kiss, then sit down at the table he’d managed to score us. “Crowded here, huh? And I have a hair and make-up rehearsal in fifteen minutes. Better eat fast. Have you ordered?”
He gives me a small smile. “Nope. Haven’t managed to grab a waiter yet,” he says, furtively looking around.
“Is everything okay?” I ask him. “You seem a little on edge.” He seems so subdued, nervous even as I notice him scanning the café.
“Sure, it is, sweetheart. I’m just a little tired is all,” he says, brushing off my concern. “Honestly, it’s nothing. So, tell me about your day. What else do you have planned, besides hair and make-up gig?”
“Well, Mom, Emily and Cindy want to come with me to get manicures and pedicures, and then we’re going for coffee. Oh, and one other not so minor detail, did you get the minister…” I stop, because even as I’m talking to him, it’s clear he’s not really listening to what I’m saying. He’s not even looking at me. Hell, he hasn’t even realized I’ve stopped speaking. He’s too focused on watching everyone else come into the café, and everyone who’s walking past. It’s like he’s looking for someone. Something’s going on, and I want to know what.
