Page 2 of Sin in the Mountains

I place the box inside the suitcase open on my bed. "Miranda getting married is amazing. After taking care of her brother and building a life for them when everything crumbled. She deserves all the happiness in the world. And Cole is perfect for her."

Rachel purses her lips. "But?"

I hesitate. Maybe unloading on Rachel is what I need to get through this weekend. But then my phone buzzes with a series of texts, interrupting my thoughts.

Melody

Happy (almost) wedding weekend!

Cora

OMG! I can't wait to start everything tomorrow.

Addy

Paige

Ladies! Final call to send me your hair and makeup pics so Caitlyn and I can make a schedule.

Betty

Miranda, you are going to be an exquisite bride.

Miranda

I love you all. Thank you for making my wedding so special!

Shaking my head, I turn to Rachel who is waiting patiently for my response. "No buts. I'm excited, and this weekend is going to be all about celebrating my bestie and her soon-to-be husband."

Rachel hesitates but thankfully decides to drop it.

Squaring my shoulders, I take another deep breath. Faking it until I make it is kind of my superpower.

I send the group a quick heart emoji and throw my phone on the bed. Hands on my hips, I look around. "It's going to be a great weekend. Assuming I can find clean underwear."

"I don't know. It's always more fun without underwear." Rachel winks at me as she stands up. "I'm gonna let you find your own undies. Clean or not."

"Thanks, Rach. I'm leaving straight from work tomorrow to make it to the rehearsal in time, so I'll see you Sunday."

"Sounds good. Or maybe you'll stay a little longer." The romantic dreamy look comes back into her eyes. "The men of Duhring Park seem to be falling one by one from what Violet tells me. Maybe you'll meet the mountain man of your dreams this weekend." Rachel blows me a kiss before closing the door behind her.

I've met him, and he's not interested.

No, no. We're not going there tonight.

I finish packing, deciding I'll have to buy underwear when I get into town tomorrow since I'm working through lunch to make it in time for the rehearsal. Like I don't work through lunch every day anyway. My boss, Alistair, is going to be insufferable when he finds out I'm leaving early. I shake my head. Next week's problem.

Dragging myself to the hall bathroom, I wash my face before bed, maintaining my three-day streak to follow my skincare regiment. It was my new year's resolution, and considering it's October, I figure better late than never to fulfill yearly promises. Find new job and figure out life are also on the list, so washing my face should be painless compared to those goals.

My phone is buzzing when I get back to my room, and I pull the covers back on my bed as I answer.

"Hello, stranger." Drake's warm voice greets me.

"Hi, Drakey." I settle into my bed, plumping up a pillow so I can stay awake to chat.

"How's your week going, Nugget?" I can hear him typing away at his computer in the background. Drake's life is work, and he never completely puts it aside, even to chat with his favorite sister.

---