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“Oh. Um, I guess it’s because I don’t even see why you’re consideringTanneras a viable option. You’ve been in love with Josh all your life.”
My head snapped back. “No, I haven’t.”
“Oh, yes you have.”
“That’s not at all true.”
“It’s completely true. Even in the fifth grade I felt like a third wheel to the two of you.”
“No way. No. There’s no way you felt like that.”
“Yes, I did. I promise you.”
I picked at a dried paint drip on the table with my thumbnail. “I’m sorry, Isla. You’re my best friend. I didn’t know you felt like a third wheel. I feel awful about that.”
She shrugged. “Okay, I didn’talways—not all the time always—feel like that. Maybe just sometimes. You guys had this really strong bond. You just fit together. It was a shock to me that the two of you waited untilafter collegeto kiss for the first time.”
I got the blue paint drip to come up. I went to work on the purple one. “Neither one of us wanted to ruin the friendship. I think it was those four years of college apart that brought it home to me. No one I’d ever known—in high school, college, anywhere—could compare to Josh.” I sat back and pinched my lip. “I guess until now. With Tanner.”
“Ugh!” Isla slapped the table. “I don’t even know why we’re talking about Tanner. Let me save you some time. It’s Josh. It’s Josh. It’s always been Josh. It’s Josh. There.” She threw her hands up.
I swallowed and pushed back from the table. “Okay. I won’t bother you anymore—”
“Stop! No, don’t do that. I’m so sorry.” She cringed and hung her head. “I didn’t mean to get impatient with you. I know you have to work things out in your own way. And truly—I’m here for you.”
I scooted my chair back under the table, somewhat comforted but more than a little confused. “Seriously, what do you have against Tanner?”
She took a deep breath and leaned forward. “How do I put this? In all honesty, I don’t think he’s good enough for you. You deserve so much more.” Sincerity shone in her eyes. All at once, I forgave her for the rant that had made me feel attacked. She continued. “I love you, Marg. I want the best for you.” She came around the table and threw her arms wide.
I stood up and hugged her, more confused than when I’d stomped through her door. If my best friend was so against my new guy, maybe I should take a closer look at him for the flaws I wasn’t seeing.
Chapter Sixteen
It was almost noon by the time I made it to Bainbridge’s department store’s famous window, so I only caught a glimpse of Tanner in a sharp, expensive suit among four female mannequins dressed in opulent holiday gowns. The party backdrop, complete with strands of holly, strobing lights, and a disco ball with a sprig of mistletoe hanging from it, could have worked for either Christmas or New Year’s, which was probably the point since the store was promoting formalwear. It was a little strange they didn’t hire additional live models like Tanner to model the gowns, but if there’d been live models hanging all over him, I would have been outrageously jealous. So really I was ecstatic about Bainbridge’s curious artistic choice.
I waited until the crowd dispersed then headed inside the store. Faye found me right away.
“Margot! Hello, dear. How are you?” She was holding a feather duster up in the air like a wand. I expected that at any moment she might bop me on the nose with it.
“I’m great, Faye, thank you. How are you?”
“Splendid!” She beamed. “And how is it going with our mutual friend?”
“Tanner? Just wonderfully.” Something about Faye’s attentive approval made me feel like sweeping into a twirl of happiness to celebrate.
She stepped closer. “But aren’t you headed back home soon?”
“Well, yes.” I picked up a beautiful high-heeled shoe from the display in front of me. I’d probably never wear it—I didn’t do well in heels—but it was gorgeous.
Her gaze zeroed in on the shoe. “You should really get those, dear. They’d be perfect to wear to your sister’s wedding.”
“How do you know about my sister’s wedding?”
“Tanner told me.”
“Ah.” I turned the shoe over in my hand. Expensive. And probably much too uncomfortable. I moved to put it back.
“They’re much more comfortable than they look,” Faye said as if reading my mind. “Andthey’re on sale. You should at least try them on.” She waved to the fifty-percent-off sign I hadn’t noticed before. She was right. It wouldn’t hurt to try them on.
