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I looked at the floating candles dotting the surface of the water. “Sasha, it’s beautiful. You definitely have the wedding planner gene. This looks amazing.”
“Good. I thought you might like it, and it’s romantic. You should lure Cole up here for a little one-on-one time.” She winked. “Now we just need some people.” She pulled one of the silk flowers from the garland and tucked it behind her ear.
Other than a few Dune Scape guests, no one else had arrived. I know being fashionably late was still a common party practice, but I had hoped more people would have begun to trickle in.
“What if no one shows?” I had a prickly feeling that had attacked the back of my neck.
“Don’t be silly. People love parties this time of year. This island is one big party. You’ll have people. They’re just extremely nocturnal—the later, the better.”
“I hope you’re right. If this doesn’t work, I don’t know what I’ll tell Cole. He trusted me to do this. I promised him it would keep the Dunes afloat for a few months.”
“Hey, he did not put the fate of the Dunes in your hands. He knows what he’s dealing with here. What you did for him is incredible. It shows how much you care. He knows that.”
God I wanted that to be true. I’d do anything for that man. And his son.
Before I could ask her what she thought about our situation, Cal whisked Sasha up from behind and planted a kiss on her mouth.
“Cal, save some of that for later. I’m in the middle of serious girl talk.” She slapped him on the butt. “You ok, Kaitlyn?”
“Yes, absolutely. You two go dance or something.”
I smiled and watched as they wandered to dance floor. I envied how Sasha approached her relationship. She didn’t let anything get in the way of her and Cal—not the age difference, not their friends, and not even her own heart. She was smart.
From my view on the lounge chair, I watched as the luau guests started arriving. A stretch SUV pulled into the parking lot and I lost count after the fifteenth person climbed from the vehicle. The DJ cranked the music, and I felt the energy swirling around me. In ten minutes, the Dunes turned into a revolving parking lot for taxicabs and shuttles. The guest continued to arrive.
I took another sip of my coconut drink, and straightened my dress. The party had started and I couldn’t sit up here all night thinking about Cole. I walked down to the ticket entrance. We had opted for wristbands to tag all the paid party guests. Mindy and Tara were behind the table collecting money and looping fluorescent bands around outstretched wrists.
It really had all come together. If only Cole was here to see it.
“Do you two need any help?” I asked over the bass from the speakers.
“No, I think we’re ok. We’ve got the best spot in the house. We get to talk to the hot guys before they even make it to the dance floor.” Tara giggled. “And I get the extra pleasure of leing them.”
Mindy gave me a more reassuring look. “Don’t worry, Kaitlyn. I’ll make her behave and keep her from running off with any of your guests.” She yanked a handful of leis from Tara, and placed them back on the table.
“Really, they can lei themselves. You don’t have to be so touchy-touchy, Tara.”
They seemed comfortable with their banter, like sisters. “Thanks, girls. Let me know if you need a break or something.”
Confident Mindy and Tara would take care of the money table, I refilled my cup and walked toward the boardwalk. Last week, Cole had convinced me to walk with him to see a star display he promised I wouldn’t forget. I smiled, knowing I didn’t remember a single star from that night, but would always remember that first kiss.
The couple I had checked in last night slid past me, walking hand in hand for an early night stroll on the beach. I think they were from Maryland, but with all the check-ins yesterday, I couldn’t keep everyone straight.
“I thought that was you up here, babe.” As soon as I heard his voice, my chest hardened. It used to make me smile.
I spun around the best I could in my sandals. “What in the hell are you doing here, Branch?”
He was wearing a smirk and a pink polo. He had popped the collar. “It’s a party.” He downed the rest of whatever was in his cup.
“Now that you’ve seen it, why don’t you leave?” Just being this close to Branch set me on edge.
I had seen that look in his eye before. The one that gleamed when he stumbled upon a party that was like a free night in Vegas. Branch in Vegas was a scary thing. I never thought he would be here tonight. If I could have done anything to prevent this from happening, I would have. Why didn’t I predict this party would draw him in like a moth to a flame?
“Whoa. You sound a little hostile. Still upset about the breakup?” He leaned over to whisper in my ear.
I stepped back. “No. I’m not upset about the stupid breakup. Why would you even say that? I’m upset about you. Where’s your date?” Branch looked surprisingly unattended.
“About that. I totally meant what I said about keeping my options open. They are wide open.” He winked.
