Page 112 of In Your Wake

I look at the appetizer table. There’s an entire decorative tower of artisanal bagels surrounded by smoked salmon and cream cheese.

“It’s a true thing of beauty. Like some sort of shrine dedicated to carbs,” I joke, earning Celia’s laugh.

They leave my side, and not long after, Zayne shows up. Wearing dark jeans and a light gray button-down, he looks handsome and suspiciously guilty.

“Hey, stranger,” I say, pulling him into a hug that lasts exactly how long you’d expect for two besties who haven’t seen each other in days.

“Hey yourself.”

“All done with summer school?”

“Yep.” His eyes drift away too quickly.

Weird.

“Now to enjoy my few weeks off before the next semester.”

“I called you this week,” I point out. “A few times. You didn’t answer.”

“Sorry, I’ve been busy.”

“With?”

He shrugs. “Studying.”

Something is definitely off with him. I believe he had to focus on his final exams for the term, but he’s not making eye-contact, which is a total red-flag. “And?”

“You know, stuff.”

“Ah yes. Stuff. My favorite.”

A strange sensation twists in my stomach. Not jealousy exactly, but close enough to make me uneasy. Zayne’s hiding something. Then again, I haven’t shared the sordid details of my time with Mitchell, so I guess I can’t judge him for being shady.

Before I can interrogate him further, movement near the garden gate catches my attention.

Tucker.

Fan-fucking-tastic.

He strolls in wearing a charcoal blazer and those stupid khakis I hate, looking around with what I used to think was calm confidence, but now realize is entitled smugness.

He scans the garden before his eyes land on me and he struts my way.

“Wow,” he says, reaching me. He looks impressed, or he’s doing a good job of faking it. “This looks great.”

“Thanks. If you’re here to congratulate Vennie and Asher, fine,” I say coolly. “If not, you can leave.”

“Who are Vennie and Asher?”

I release a long exhale. “Why are you here, Tucker?”

“Still angry, huh?”

“I’m not angry. You weren’t invited.”

“So, is this the plan? Hosting stuff like this to make the inn magically profitable?” he asks, ignoring me.

“Are you for real?” Zayne says, glaring at Tucker.