Page 81 of Blue Hawaiian
Connor got up to pour himself another finger of booze. The way tonight was headed, he was going to need it.
Chapter 31
Upon leaving the Coral Cove, Jess was tempted to retreat to her room. Few things sounded more appealing than changing into her pj’s and watching a few hours of mindless TV. But she needed to set things right with Gabi. Even if her sister had been at her worst, Jess wanted her to be happy. And she wanted the wedding to go as planned.
She sent Marc a text.Is Gabi back yet?
He called her immediately. “I haven’t seen her. I thought if I let her cool off, she’d be okay, but when I tried her phone fifteen minutes ago, she didn’t answer. I’m getting worried.”
“Did you call Luisa or Paige? Maybe she’s having a drink with them.”
“I tried. Neither of them has seen her since dinner.” He sighed. “It isn’t like her to keep me hanging this long. Even if she leaves in a huff, she always comes back. Then we talk things out until we reach an agreement.”
Jess couldn’t stop the snark from creeping into her voice. “Until you agree with her, you mean?”
“Pretty much.”
Gabi always got her way.Thatwas why she hadn’t returned. She wasn’t mad at Marc. She was mad at Jess. And she’d only come around ifJessadmitted she was wrong.
“I’ll call her,” she said. “If I beg for forgiveness, she’ll probably talk to me.”
“None of this was your fault. Brody’s the one who messed up. I’d wake him, but he’s sleeping off the booze.”
“Let him sleep. Gabi doesn’t want his apology. She wants mine. Not just for tonight, but for all the times I lied to her.” And for failing to confide in her, the way she had before.
“Can you call me as soon as you’ve talked to her?” Marc said. “I won’t be able to sleep until I know she’s all right.”
He was such a sweetheart. “Of course.”
After ending the call, Jess braced herself and brought up Gabi’s number. No response. Rather than leave a voicemail, she sent her sister a text.Sorry I ruined your rehearsal dinner. Any chance we could talk???
Gabi responded seconds later.I’m walking on the beach. I’ve got nothing to say to you.
Which was Gabi-code for “get your butt over here and prepare to grovel.” Jess headed back outside, kicking off her heels and holding them in one hand so she could run on the sand. At night, the beach had a haunting, romantic feel, illuminated by the light of a full moon. When she passed a couple in the throes of a passionate embrace, she was overcome with memories. Two nights ago, she and Connor had done the same thing. When he’d held her in his arms, he’d looked at her with such tenderness she almost believed he loved her.
Stop it. You don’t have time for this.
She ran down the beach, scanning the area for Gabi, until she found her sitting on a large rock, staring out into the waves.
“That was quick,” Gabi said. “What’d you do—run?”
Jess leaned over, hands on her knees, gasping for breath. “Yeah. But…I’m out of shape.” She gestured to a rock next to her sister. “Mind if I sit down?”
Gabi scowled. “It’s not like I can stop you.”
“I came here to say I’m sorry. I’m sorry for lying to you and Mama about Chicago. You told me no drama, so I thought it was better if I didn’t say anything, but—”
“Bullshit.” Gabi sprang up and loomed over her. “I meant no public meltdowns. Nothing that would embarrass me in front of the Blackwoods. But you could have told me and Mama privately.”
“But if I told Mama, she would have worried about my future when she was supposed to be paying attention to you.”
“Stop making excuses. This isn’t about me. It’s about you. Admit it, Jess. Just admit the fucking truth.”
Jess’s stomach pitched as the shame washed over her. She couldn’t keep hiding behind her lies. It was time to be honest with everyone. Including herself.
She tucked her hands under her thighs to stop them from shaking. “You’re right. Mostly, I hid the truth because I was ashamed. I didn’t want everyone to know I failed, especially the Blackwoods.”
“Especially Connor, you mean. You wanted to act like you had your shit together with your new life and your cool job. Right?”
