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I was fine in church. Even though I didn’t know anyone, all eyes were on the bride and groom at the altar so I didn’t feel out of place. Now that we’re in Bob’s Barn, I do. Nearly everyone is out of their seats, chatting. Even Antonio has left his. And some of them are glancing in my direction, some even staring, before exchanging whispers. No doubt they’re wondering who I am and why I’m here with Antonio.
I slump in my chair as I let out a deep breath. Maybe I shouldn’t have come.
“Would you mind telling me where you got your dress?” a woman asks as she approaches me. “I do love how it looks.”
I sit up straight as I look at her. Purple dress. Salt and pepper hair down to her shoulders. Red eyeglasses. As our eyes meet, her plump lips curve into a broad smile. Warm. And expectant.
What was she asking me again?
“I’m afraid you’ll have to ask Sally,” I answer once I remember. “She was the one who bought it.”
“So it’s true then.” She occupies the empty seat next to mine. “You’re the one who’s living with Antonio.”
My eyebrows go up. She’s heard about me? Living with Antonio? Well, that’s true, but somehow the way she said it makes it sound like Antonio and I are a couple.
I’m about to make things clear but she speaks first.
“I’m Diane, by the way.” She offers me her hand. “I’m Bernie’s wife.”
I shake it but give her a puzzled look. “Bernie?”
She holds her hand to her mouth as she chuckles. As for me, I don’t understand what she finds so funny.
“Sorry,” she says. “I’m used to everyone here knowing who my husband is. He’s the mayor.”
“I see.”
“But of course, you wouldn’t know that since you’re new here. What did you say your name was again, dear?”
I didn’t. “Triss.”
Again, she smiles warmly. “Welcome to Summerset, Triss. I hope you’ll enjoy your stay. We may be a small town but we’re all family here. Antonio, too.”
I guess she knows about Antonio’s past.
“We all look out for each other,” Diane adds. “Also, the town is stunning in the fall. And our Christmas festival is always something to look forward to.”
My eyebrows furrow. Is she trying to convince me to stay?
“Oh, and the school here is good, too. I heard you have a daughter?”
She’s trying to make me stay, alright. That Antonio. He must have put her up to this. He must have left me alone on purpose so she could talk to me. Is this why he was so insistent that I come to this wedding? So that I’d change my mind? Too bad. My mind is already made up.
“Yes,” I answer. “Her name is Lara.”
“I’m sure you look forward to seeing her grow up,” Diane tells me. “I know if I could, I’d do it over and over again with my children. There’s no greater joy in the world.”
I’m sure there isn’t. Only Lara isn’t my child.
“I’m sure your children have grown up to be wonderful people,” I say.
She’s not the only one who can come up with nice things to say. And my compliment works on her like a charm.
“I think you and I are going to get along, Triss,” she says as she puts her hand over mine. “You should come over to my house sometime. I make the best salted caramel apple pie.”
I have to admit that sounds lovely. Even so…
“I’m afraid I can’t really go anywhere right now,” I tell her as I glance at my foot.
“Oh, there’s no rush.” She pats my lap. “I’m not going anywhere. You can come to my house anytime. I’ll be waiting.”
That’s her choice. She’ll only be disappointed.
She stands up. “Now, I have to go find Bernie and make sure he’s ready for our duet. It’s our present for the newlyweds. You enjoy the wedding, alright? Just make yourself at home. And if anyone causes you any trouble, you just tell me.”
Diane gives me a wink.
I nod. “Thank you. It was a pleasure meeting you.”
She waves her hand. “The pleasure was all mine, dear.”
She walks off, though it seems more like she’s skipping off. Or is it bouncing? For someone in her fifties or even sixties, she sure seems like she has a lot of energy.
“Made a friend?” Antonio’s voice breaks into my thoughts.
I turn my head to look at him.
“She’s charming,” I admit. “But I’m afraid your plan didn’t work.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Antonio replies.
Oh, so he’s denying it, is he? Sly.
“By the way, I’d like you to meet my friend, Ned Walker.” He glances over his shoulder. “I told you about him, remember?”
I remember. Ned, the one whose sister Antonio saved. The cop. He doesn’t look like one right now since he’s wearing a tux. And he seems friendly. He has a nice grin, warm brown eyes. Even his mustache is the well-kept kind. Nothing sinister about it. Still, I can’t help but feel wary.
