Page 59 of Something Old

“I don’t hear the water running.”

The shower suddenly turned on in the room. He arched his eyebrow at her. Caroline shrugged, an innocent look on her face. “She was getting ready to get in. I guess you missed her.”

“Funny timing, isn’t it?” He stepped back, and she opened the door. “Tell her we need to talk, okay? I can explain. You know how it is.”

The look she gave him was sad. “No, Ethan. I don’t know how it is, not anymore. If I had known you’d hurt her, I would never have done this, would never set you guys up again.”

He nodded, and she closed the door softly, shutting him out, feeling like an end to a chapter of his life.

He sighed and went into his room to gather his things. He’d fix it later. She would listen. She had to understand.

* * *

Delaney poked her head out of the bathroom and peered into the room. “Is he gone?”

Caroline nodded. “You can’t avoid him all weekend. You’re walking down the aisle together.”

Delaney stepped fully into the room and sat on the bed. “I won’t let this ruin your wedding. I promise you that. But don’t push Ethan and me. Please.”

Caroline sat next to her and put her arm around Delaney. “I’m sorry. I never expected this week to turn out this way.”

“How could he do this to me?” Delaney’s voice quavered and her eyes blurred. “I thought we had gotten past everything—the lies, the heartbreak. And he had a girlfriend this entire time.”

“I don’t think he did. He says they weren’t dating, and he didn’t invite her. His father brought her.”

A chill ran up Delaney’s spine. William Van Owen had said they had brought her. Maybe this was another ploy to ensure she and Ethan never got back together again. She wouldn’t put it past him. He’d done it before. “His father admitted it but this has Kira written all over it. She always hated me.” She raised her head. “Did you know about Cami?”

Caroline looked away. “They’ve been seen at certain events, but I never thought they were serious or anything.”

“If he didn’t bring her or intend to bring her, I have to give him the benefit of the doubt, right?” She stared up at her friend, desperation and hope making her seize on anything she could.

Caroline bit her lower lip. “I can’t imagine Ethan would intentionally hurt you, and he never said he’d be bringing anyone. Trust Ethan. I know it’s hard.”

Delaney took a deep breath and stood, pacing the small room. She had to trust him, something she hadn’t done back then.

She stood. “No, you’re right. I have to trust Ethan, trust what he said to me. I only hope it’s enough. Clearly, there are people who don’t want us together.”

Caroline jumped up and grabbed Delaney’s shoulders, facing her. “You’re not thinking of leaving, are you?”

“Because that’s what I do, right? Run when the going gets tough? Not this time.” Her mouth set in a firm line. “Not this time.”

“This time you stay and fight for Ethan.” Caroline grinned.

“No,” Delaney said. “This time I stay for me.”

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