Page 58 of Blue Hawaiian
“Admit it, you’re tempted,” he said.
“No! Put on your clothes and go back to your room. I command you.”
He laughed. “Yes, ma’am.”
Once he left, she went into the bathroom to take stock. After last night’s lengthy shower, she was clean enough. But because she’d gone to bed with wet hair, her curls were a crazy corkscrew mess. Afteranothershower, she threw on a sundress and took the time to do her makeup properly.
Gabi’s mini spa event was set up on the shaded lanai of the Pink Orchid Spa, giving them a spectacular view of the ocean. Luisa and Victoria were already seated, as was Darren’s wife, Melanie. The only one missing was Paige, Gabi’s former college roommate, who was supposed to arrive on Friday. A table draped in pink and orange linens held a delicious breakfast spread—fresh fruit, croissants, mini quiches, cinnamon rolls, coffee, and a pitcher of mimosas.
Jess scanned the lanai. “Where are the moms at? Are they joining us?”
“They’re spending the morning at the Spa at Black Rock,” Gabi said. “Marc’s mom wanted to treat them to a Poha Berry Body Wrap. I did it last time I was in Maui and it was incredible, but it was a little too pricey for all of us. Sorry.”
Jess settled into a chair and sipped her mimosa. “Don’t apologize. This is perfect. I can’t think of a better way to wake up. Or a better place for a wedding.”
“Don’t say it’s perfect,” Gabi said. “You don’t want to jinx things. After the ceremony, when Marc and I are finally married, then you can say it was perfect.”
“Well, I’m loving it so far.” Luisa gave a huge yawn. “My only complaint is my lack of sleep. Lance and I went out after the luau and found a great club.”
Jess bit her lip, holding back a laugh. “How was it?”
Luisa’s brow creased. “You’re not upset, are you? He said you two weren’t together.”
“Nope. No chemistry.” Jess still couldn’t believe what a giant bullet she’d dodged.
“It was fun. Lance’s a great dancer. But…” Luisa shrugged. “All I wanted was a night out. Nothing else. He’s too much of a frat-bro for my tastes.”
Thank God. Jess wouldn’t wish Lance on anyone, not even her ultra-competitive cousin.
Three attendants began setting up the footbaths for the pedicures. Though Jess would have preferred to pick out her own shade of nail polish, Gabi insisted they all wear the same color. Jess agreed without question. It was hard to argue when her feet were being immersed in a warm bath and another attendant was bringing her coffee.
Luisa sighed. “I need to marry someone rich so I can have my own destination wedding. Maybe in Baja or the Caribbean.”
“Did you consider it for your wedding?” Jess asked Victoria.
She scowled. “I wish. I wanted to get married somewhere romantic, like the south of France, instead of the Temecula Valley.”
If Jess recalled correctly, Victoria had spent a semester abroad in Paris. And she spoke French. “Why didn’t you go for it? Your family could totally afford it.”
“My father said it was vital we didn’t snub any of the Blackwoods. Not this time.”
“I didn’t snub anyone,” Gabi said. “I invited all the Blackwoods.”
“I know,” Victoria said. “But not everyone could spare the time to jet off to Maui. That’s why my father insisted I have my wedding at the Blackwood Cellars Estate.”
Gabi’s face fell. When she spoke again, her voice was small. Humble. “I never intended to leave anyone out.”
Luisa arched an eyebrow. “And yet, you did. Mom’s still upset she can’t be here. I offered to let her share my room, but she couldn’t swing the airfare and everything else. Not with the twins starting college in the fall.”
“I realize that,” Gabi said. “But Marc’s family couldn’t pay for everyone.”
Jess counted herself lucky Marc had offered to pay her way. If she’d had to foot the bill, she would have limited her trip to a few days and stayed in a cheap hotel. Since Luisa came from a family of six, Gabi couldn’t have asked the Blackwoods to pay for all of them.
But even if she wished more of her family could have attended, Jess didn’t want Gabi to feel guilty. Her sister had already dealt with enough grief after she announced her engagement.
Jess frowned at Luisa. “Gabi and Marc are throwing a big party in August for the whole family. We can all celebrate then.”
“Sure,” Luisa muttered. “Because a party in Riverside is no different than a beachside wedding in Maui.” She rubbed her forehead. “Sorry. That was super bitchy. But Mom called me this morning, and she was in amood. She acted like I had no business coming here when the rest of the family couldn’t afford it. It’s not my fault I have such a high-paying job.”
