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“Well, I came by to give you a heads-up on something.” She stood awkwardly in the doorway.
“Come in,” I said. “Have a seat. What’s up? Is there something in the contract that’s bothering you?”
“No, not exactly. It’s just that, well, this is such a weird coincidence but your boyfriend—he and I used to date.”
“Sure, he mentioned it. Briefly. He said it was not a big deal—just a blip in his life.” I don’t know why that particular thing came out of my mouth, other than this overwhelming urge to hurt her as she’d hurt Darby.
She paled slightly. “Oh, well, that’s strange because we were together for several years.”
“Yes, but you cheated on him with his high school friend. Isn’t that right? Which would make you an unfortunate time in his life. But he’s moved on, obviously. That’s what healthy people do when they’ve been wronged. Put it behind them and move onto something better.”
She paled further. “Um, yeah, that’s right. I didn’t want it to be awkward if I happened to run into Darby here at the inn. I mean, since he’s your boyfriend, he might stop by a lot so I thought I should warn you.” She was babbling, which made me quite happy.
“You won’t believe this,” I said. “But he’s also the contractor we’ve hired for the gazebo. I’m sure that won’t matter to you, but since we’re taking so openly, I figured I should mention it.”
“He’s Dickens Construction?”
“That’s right.”
She appeared gob-smacked for a moment, staring down at the floor. I could almost hear the machinations of her mind as she put it together. Finally, she looked up at me, her composure restored. “I should have figured it out. Who else would name their business that?” She narrowed her eyes. “And you didn’t know I was his ex? It doesn’t bother you?”
“After I asked him if he could do me a favor and use his extraordinary talents to help a client, he said yes, of course—he’ll do anything for me.” I was really laying it on thick. “He’s so sweet and supportive. I’m sure you remember how he treated you. Anyway, when he told me who you were, he thought you might not want to hire him but I felt sure you wouldn’t care. It’s been several years, after all.”
“That’s right.” She tugged on a dangly topaz earring that matched her eyes. I disliked her quite a bit for those eyes. “It might be better if we found someone else. You know, someone who didn’t have a past with me. I mean, he would essentially be helping his ex to make the perfect wedding day.”
“There’s no one else,” I said flatly, enjoying myself a little more than I should.
Her forehead crinkled, and a pinch of irritation pursed her mouth. “That seems unlikely.”
“This town lost a lot in the fire, and every good contractor’s booked up.”
“I thought Darby was a teacher now.” She seemed uncertain, perhaps wondering if she had the right to ask questions about him. As people do when they wronged someone and then disappeared from their life, I thought to myself.
“He is. A very popular teacher, actually. He was the graduation speaker last year.” Although I hadn’t been there to hear his speech, Brandi had said he’d killed it, merging the perfect amount of humor and serious life lessons. “Like I said, he’s doing me a favor, and if it’s not him, then there’s no way I can make your dream day a reality.”
She shifted in the chair, crossing one leg, then the other. “What did he tell you about how things ended between us?”
“He told me the whole story. You cheated on him with his best friend from high school and broke his heart.” Apparently, I had a mean streak. One that enjoyed torturing women like Arianna. “You really hurt him, but he’s good now. Better than good.” I fought the urge to lick my lips as if we’d had great sex that morning. Laying it on too thick could backfire.
“That’s nice to hear.” She tugged on her earring again. A nervous habit, I thought. She shouldn’t play poker.
“Anyway, I don’t think this is a problem.” I spoke with my best hostess assurance. “He’s long past all that. We’ll get your gazebo built, and you’ll have the day you’ve dreamed of.”
“Good. Yes, I feel better now.” She tossed her hair behind her shoulders. “I’m glad I came by. I felt, well, unsure what to do when I saw your photograph this morning. I had no idea he was here in town or I wouldn’t have been so insistent on getting married in Emerson Pass. He disappeared after we broke up. I couldn’t reach him by phone or email. He blocked me, is what I mean to say.” She paused, staring past me toward the window. “I didn’t mean to hurt him, you know. It just happened—this thing between Rob and me. My feelings for Rob overpowered everything. I knew I had to break up with Darby or hurt him worse by continuing to lie to him. It wasn’t until I’d already told Darby I wanted out that I realized he was about to propose. I don’t know how I missed it, to be honest. Thinking back, it was obvious that’s what he was planning. I felt like the worst person in the world. But sometimes, one has to save oneself before they can be any good to others.”
I tried to find a little sympathy for her, but nothing came. Instead, I found some understanding. Arianna Bush was the type of woman who hadn’t had to struggle for anything ever. She’d been born rich, beautiful, and intelligent. However, it was not my right to judge her. If she’d fallen for another man, breaking up with Darby had been the right thing to do.
Arianna stood, smoothing her hands over her high-waisted linen pants. She was tall and slender and looked good in those pants, darn her. My curvier petite stature was not flattered by these high-waisted jeans and leotard shirts, thus I never wore them. But she looked amazing in them. “Thanks for letting me come by.” She held out her hand. “I hope you’ll give Darby my best. And let him know I’d love the chance to see him if he’d be open to it.”
“I’ll pass that message on to him. He’ll be here around four this afternoon with some of the materials. He’ll be working after school.” I shook my head. “I don’t know how he does it. Such loyalty to the kids and then his girlfriend requests a gazebo.”
“Ex-girlfriend,” Arianna said, obviously mistaking my meaning.
“His current girlfriend, that is.” I smiled to take the edge off, sorry to embarrass her. Sort of.
“Of course.” She flushed. “What an idiot I am.”
“Not at all.” I gestured toward to door. “Let me walk you out.”
