Page 36 of Searching for Sunshine

I freeze, unsure of what to say and Trent just smiles at me. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable. I just wanted you to know I’ve never seen him act the way he does with youwith anyone else. And I know this whole thing started out fake, but just go easy on him, okay?”

“Uh, yeah. I care about Wyatt a lot,” I admit. “I don’t have any intention of hurting him, but I really appreciate what you’re saying.”

Trent waves, gesturing for me to go join his brother on the boat. “Okay, enough of that. Go have fun, and I’ll take care of everything back here.”

“Oh, right, I’ve gotta get going, but I’ll see you later,” I say, before heading outside to meet Avery and the rest of the girls.

As I wait for them, I feel a fresh wave of anxiety rise in my chest at what Trent just told me. I know he meant it as a compliment, but how in the world am I supposed to keep myself from falling for him when people say things like that?

God, how did this become such a mess?

“Isit just me or is this going really well?” Avery whispers, and I nod in response. We’ve been out on the water for a little over an hour, and like she said, things seem to be going even better than we planned.

“Uh, that’s what I was thinking too, but we can’t jinx it,” I whisper, looking out at the front of the boat where the girls are lounging around, tanning, and drinking while ’90s country blasts through the boat’s speakers.

“I think they’ve got everything they need, and Wyatt looks like he’s good to go,” Avery says, gesturing to where Wyatt’s maneuvering the boat through the water with the ghost of a smile on his face. “Why don’t we go sit in the back for a little bit?We’ve been so busy with the hotel these last few days, but I need updates on my new favorite married couple.”

I shoot her a glare and she laughs, grabbing my hand, and leading me to the back of the boat.

“Come on, we can go sit back here for a little while before we check on them again in a bit. There shouldn’t be anyone back—” she starts but she comes to a sudden stop when we round the corner and see one of the bridesmaids sitting back here alone.

I vaguely recognize her from yesterday, but she was so quiet in comparison to all of her loud and vivacious friends that I didn’t notice she wasn’t with the rest of the group.

“Hi,” I say, smiling at her. “Are you okay? Is there anything I can get you?”

“No, no. I’m so sorry I’m in the way. Let me move right now,” she starts, sounding a little panicked.

“Oh my goodness, no. You don’t have to move. We just didn’t realize there was anyone sitting back here. But you’re more than welcome to stay.”

“I’m so sorry,” she says again, starting to stand, but I hold up my hand to stop her.

“Please, just sit. What’s your name?” I ask, trying to make her feel comfortable.

“I’m Hailey,” she answers. “I really can get out of your hair. I was just burning up and needed a minute out of the sun.”

Avery and I share a quick confused look because the girl in front of us has on a long-sleeved shirt and a pair of leggings. I thought maybe she was using them as a cover up in case the wind was a bit chilly early this morning, but it’s over 95 degrees out here now so it’s no wonder she’s burning up.

“Uh, yeah, it’s a hot one,” I answer, “And we’re Stella and Avery. Do you want a short-sleeved shirt or a cover up? Or I’m sure there’s a swimsuit somewhere here on board if you need one.”

Hailey looks like she’s about to cry, but she just shakes her head. “No, no, it’s fine. I just need a second to cool off and then I promise I’ll go join the other girls and be out of your hair.”

“Okay, that’s no problem. Do you mind if we join you then?” Avery asks and Hailey shakes her head.

“Of course. I’m so sorry, I’m totally in the way,” Hailey frets, and I notice the tears welling up in her eyes.

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hailey, it's okay. You’re our guest, and if anything, we’re the ones in the way. You sit here as long as you’d like, okay? Just take a deep breath,” I encourage, and she gives me a weak smile.

“God, I’m such a disaster. I know I’m being so silly right now, but do you know when it just feels like everything is falling apart? I’ve just managed to get myself in this situation, and now, I’m looking back on the last few months and wondering how the hell I got here.”

“Trust me, I think I might understand that more than you know,” I say, and Avery smiles and wraps her arm around me.

“Yeah, you have no idea,” Avery adds. “But do you want to talk about it? There’s no pressure or anything—you just look really upset and sometimes all you need is a chat with someone completely outside of the situation to make you feel better.”

“I don’t want to bother you,” Hailey protests.

“There’s no pressure but you’re definitely not bothering us. I know for me it helps to talk to someone completely removed from the situation when I’m really upset,” I tell her.

“Oh, I hate to make the two of you sit around and listen to me complain about my shitty choices,” Hailey sighs. “I just feel like I’m about to make the worst mistake of my life and I don’t know how to stop it.”

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