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“Yeah, well that’s not going to happen.”
“Oh, I’m sure it will. You’ll fuck up at some point, and your relationship will deteriorate right in front of your face.” The evil grin that appears on her sends a chill down my spine, and I watch her step closer. “And when that happens, you better believe my friend at TMZ will be more than happy to cover the story.”
Just like that, all the fresh air in the world isn’t enough to stop the pain in my chest. Bianca nudges past me and walks away, leaving through the back gate. The anger that spreads through my body has me wanting to chase after her – to show her exactly who she messed with, and why it wouldn’t be wise to do it again – but as I go to step forward, a kick in my stomach reminds me that’s not a good idea. I close my eyes and will myself to calm down. A couple counts to ten later, I go back inside to find the one person who can always make me smile.
AFTER THE PARTY, I decide not to tell Holden about Bianca being the inside source. He already has enough to worry about. He doesn’t need to be seeking a lawsuit against a jealous ex. Instead, I just focus on spending Christmas with my growing family.
Before I know it, it’s time to go back to the airport. We were going to drive to Rhode Island like we did last year, but Holden said he would rather fly. He claims he’s been spending way too much time in cars and on buses lately. I consider correcting him, because he’s been on planes just as much, but I decide against it.
Brandon and Emily are quiet as we walk through the airport. I try to figure out why, but Em won’t even look me in the eyes. They’re hiding something.
“What’s up with them?” I question.
Holden glances at our two friends but says nothing. He has the same look on his face as they do, cluing me in that I’m the only one who isn’t in on the secret – whatever it is. It doesn’t necessarily seem like a bad thing, but not knowing what it could be is driving me crazy. When Holden isn’t paying attention, I grab the tickets out of his hand.
PHILADELPHIA (PHL) TO HONOLULU (HNL)
DEPARTING AT 1:15PM
“Give me those.” He reaches but I turn so he misses.
“Why are we going to Hawaii?” I’m confused. “Did you tell my parents we aren’t coming? They’re expecting us for New Year’s.”
Emily chuckles while Holden just looks at me with pure amusement. “You’re a pain in my ass, you know that?”
I narrow my eyes. “Why?”
He steps forward and takes my hands in his. “Because you spoil surprises. Yes, I spoke to your parents. They’re actually getting on a flight themselves.”
“What? Where are they going?”
“To our wedding.”
Chapter 25
Ifidget in the seat next to Holden. The six-hour flight to our layover at LAX does nothing to ease my anxiety. Since he dropped the bombshell about where we’re going and why, he hasn’t answered any of my questions. Where are we getting married? When did you arrange this? How long are we staying there for?
“What about everyone else? All our bridesmaids and groomsmen?”
Holden snorts. “Baby, do you trust me?”
“With my life.”
He grabs my hand and interlaces our fingers. “Then believe me when I say that I have everything figured out.”
I groan, causing Em and Brandon to laugh while Holden just looks at me lovingly. I hate them dearly.
WE LIE ON LOUNGE chairs around the pool. Holden is to my left while Emily is on my right, with Brandon on the other side of her. Jo is on the other side of Holden. Our parents sit about fifty feet away at a table, talking like they’ve known each other for years. It’s nice to see them getting along so well.
Since we arrived last night, no one will give me any details on what’s happening. It’s literally a surprise wedding, and despite being the bride, I have no say in anything. I’ve even tried texting everyone back in Maine. They won’t answer me.
An idea comes to mind, and I get up slowly.
“I have to go to the bathroom.” I lie.
Holden looks up from his phone. “Do you want me to come with you?”
“No, it’s fine. I’ll be right back.”
