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“How did you get here?”
“You can’t go through with it. You know it in your heart.” I can hardly hear him over the waves. I walk toward him. He doesn’t turn around. In fact, he doesn’t move at all.
“Chase, I can’t do this. Not here, not now,” I plead with him.
“Everything isn’t what it appears.”
“What does that mean?” I’m closer now; I can almost touch him.
“Go with your heart, Olivia,” he says. I reach out to touch him, but he isn’t there. Are my eyes playing tricks? I know I heard him. I spin around, but he isn’t there. There’s no one there.
I jump out of bed in a cold sweat. My heart is racing. Shit, it was just a dream. How bizarre. My subconscious is trying to tell me something. I rub my eyes and look at the clock. Crap, it’s nine-thirty; I slept late.
I head to the bathroom and find a note attached to the mirror.
I check my phone to find a text from Bren.
*Flight on time. Will be in the Keys @ 11:00*
Then a later text.
*I’m starving!*
Okay. I’ll wait for her to have breakfast. The ceremony isn’t until six so that gives me plenty of time to let her primp me. She’ll want to do my hair and makeup. I hope she won’t go overboard. It is a beach wedding.
I take a seat on a chair on the lanai. Evan was right. The humidity is gone, and the ocean breeze feels fantastic. I go over the events in my dream. What did Chase mean that everything isn’t as it appears? I’m not sure why last night of all nights, Chase decided to make an appearance in my dreams. It must be my nerves. I’m still not sure I’m doing the right thing by marrying Evan. He swears Brandi was a one-time thing, and I can’t really end our relationship from one mistake. Can I? No, I need to calm down and focus on all of the good times we shared. Feeling refreshed after a shower and a bit calmer, I decide to explore the hotel.
The beach is beautiful and looks different in the daytime. I can see where our wedding ceremony will take place. There is a bamboo trellis with white flowing fabric covering one end. Large candles inside tall lanterns sit on either end at the base. A pedestal with colorful orchids is perched on either side of the trellis, with stark white chairs lined up and down the aisle. Picture perfect.
I keep walking down the beach then up the path toward the main part of the hotel. There are palm trees along the large stone walkway, lined with water features on either side. As I head inside, I take a look at my watch. It’s just past eleven am; Brenda should be here soon.
As I walk into the lobby, I spot Brenda getting out of the hotel car. I run over to her and give her a huge hug. “I’m so happy to see you.”
“You look like crap,” she chides.
“I didn’t sleep very well last night,” I confess.
“I’ll fix you up. C’mon, I’m starving.” I have the attendant take her bags up to her room. Evan was nice enough to have paid for that.
“I’m not sure they’re still serving breakfast
“I don’t care. I need food, and I need a drink.” She gives me her impatient face, and it makes me giggle.
“Okay, follow me.”
I take her to where we had dinner last night. We’re in luck. The buffet is closed, but they’re still serving a la carte. We both order mimosas and Eggs Benedict. I turn to her after we order. “How was your flight?”
“Fine. Until I boarded that thing they call a plane. Did you ride that little death trap?” she asks.
“Yeah, it freaked me out too.” I shudder when I think about the experience.
“Where’s Evan?”
“Taking care of some last minute stuff.”
“What time is the ceremony?”
“Six.” I call over to the waiter for two more mimosas.
