by Megan Ryder
“Thanks for the beer, honey.” He turned and whistled as he walked towards the house, her frustrated growl following him.
No, she wanted him. He just had to prove it to her.
*
After the kiss with Grady, Brigid couldn’t focus so she decided to go for a walk on the beach. It was quiet on the private shore, the only people quite a distance away, giving her the peace she needed. She sat on the sand for a while, listening to the birds and the rolling waves, smelling the salty sea air, and her worries just drifted away, taken from her by the ocean breezes.
Whitby Island had always been a sanctuary for her going back to her undergraduate program. When she had first met Caroline and the rest of the girls who would become her closest friends, she considered asking the student housing office for another roommate. Two socialites and an actress were so outside of Brigid’s experience that she never thought they would ever have anything in common. In fact, she barely spoke for the first month but eventually Caroline wore Brigid down with her weakness – pizza. She had been studying for a test and skipped dinner while focused in the library. She had returned to the quad room and went immediately into her room to continue studying when the most heavenly scent of cheese, sauce, pepperoni and meatballs drifted from their common room. Caroline came to ask her if she was hungry and she declined, but her stomach had other plans. It took her a while to become comfortable with the girls but eventually couldn’t imagine college life without them.
So, when Caroline had invited her to the island for the summer, her choice was to go home and be pressured into more courses all summer and working at a job her father found for her at the insurance company where he worked, or have some measure of freedom. Needless to say, her parents were less than thrilled so she got a job on the island and kept it for the four years of undergrad, thus winning the argument and freeing herself from the immense pressure her father placed on her daily to succeed.
Coming over on the ferry, she always felt the ocean breezes drifted over her and carried her fears, her stresses, and her troubles away with them, to wait for her when she returned to the mainland. The island was the only place she had been free, able to relax and have fun without guilt. Now, with more pressure than she had ever imagined, Whitby was desperately trying to be her lifesaver but her troubles were more than a test or a father’s drive to succeed. Life was harder, the tests more than a grade but for her career. Whitby wasn’t going to be enough to soothe her battered soul.
And now Grady was doggedly pursuing this ridiculous path of a relationship, aided by her traitor of a friend, Caroline, matchmaking maven for the weekend. Why couldn’t Grady leave it alone?
Why didn’t you push him towards Janine? A small voice prodded from the back of her mind. She was the perfect foil, a solid misdirection for him and a safety for Brigid.
Why was she so damn jealous when she didn’t want him either?
Or did she?
Shit. She tossed a handful of sand and wiped her hands. She didn’t have time for this. She had work and a wedding to prepare for. She couldn’t deal with this mess. Not now.
Chapter Nine
When Brigid got back to the house, there was a flurry of activity. The rest of the party was arriving and there was luggage and people everywhere. She snuck into the library and forced herself to focus on the edits, completing some of the work before Caroline announced appetizers. Brigid barely heard her until the office door was opened.
Caroline walked across the room and slammed the lid of the laptop shut.
“What the hell, Caroline?”
Caroline smiled sweetly. “Was I interrupting you? So sorry. Time for appetizers then dinner. I’ve been very patient but now it’s my time.”
Brigid’s stomach took that chance to gurgle loudly. Brigid pressed a hand to her middle, scowling at her traitorous body. “Damn it. I was almost done.”
“Honey, you’ll never be done. I know you and I know the job. Come on. I have those mini pizza rolls you like. So greasy and disgusting. I don’t know how you can eat them.” She gave a mock shudder but smiled.
Brigid didn’t have the heart to tell her that she was avoiding spicy food in an effort to avoid pain in her stomach later. She turned off the desk light and followed her out, to see the women she had only seen once in the past five years.
Grady was already on the patio, gathered around the grill with Matthew, both drinking beer and talking low. No one else was on the patio yet but food had been set out on the table, cheese and crackers, fruit, chips and dip, the pizza rolls, and a veggie platter. Brigid grabbed a plate, avoiding the spicy pizza and hoping the cheese would not irritate her stomach any more than it already was. She grabbed a ginger ale, wanting her wits about her and not clouded by alcohol, then headed over to a chair, avoiding Grady’s gaze.
Caroline sat next to her and crossed one leg over the other and studied her quietly. Brigid fidgeted and finally looked at her friend. “What? Is it my working?”
Caroline shook her head. “Not exactly. It’s you. I hate to see you so unhappy.”
Brigid shifted. “I’m not unhappy.”
“But you’re not happy either. You’re losing weight. You’re paler than usual. And I’ll bet you’re developing an ulcer too. Are you even sleeping? Judging by those dark circles under your eyes, you’re not. What kind of friend would I be if I wasn’t worried?”
“You’re the bride. You shouldn’t be worrying about your bridesmaids.”
Caroline shrugged. “I know. But the wedding is all in hand. We only have the last-minute stuff to do. What this week is really about is reconnecting with friends. We’ve grown apart.” She waved her hand, dismissing Brigid’s protests. “I know. Everyone is busy and many people don’t stay in contact after college, but I thought we would be different. We all promised.”
“Caroline, we were twenty-two. Our lives followed different paths. But we’re all here, for you. We’ll never be the roommates we were back then. This is our new reality.”
“Really?” Caroline arched her eyebrow. “You work with my fiancé and live in Houston. Delaney still lives in Houston. Every time I want to get together, you’re too busy and Delaney flat out avoids me. I understand Delaney’s issues but I don’t know why you’re avoiding me. Is it my father?”
“Your father?” Brigid stared at her.
“Yes, are you worried people will think that you’re using me and my father to get ahead at the firm? Because you can ask Matthew. My father is actually harder on him because of our relationship.”
A hint of bitterness threaded in her tone and Brigid cocked her head. “Is everything okay, Caroline?”
“Yes, of course. It just gets tiring not seeing your fiancé for days on end except somewhere in the middle of the night. I know he had a big deal going on but I sometimes wonder if it’s worth it. Is it worth it to you?”
“Being a lawyer? Yes. This is what my whole college time was focused on, everything I’ve been working for.”
“What’s your end-game, Brigid? When will you have a life outside of the office?”
Brigid balled up her napkin and threw it at the garbage. “Why does everyone keep asking me that? First Grady and now you. It’s my life.”
Caroline laid a soothing hand on Brigid’s arm. “I know, but we’re just worried about you. I don’t want you to end up alone and sad, or worse, sick and miserable.”
Brigid patted her hand. “I appreciate that, but I have this.” She took a sip of her ginger ale.
Caroline withdrew her hand and sipped her wine. “Okay. Now, what should we do about you and Grady?”
Brigid sputtered, the soda dribbling out of her mouth. Before she could respond, the door to the patio opened and a beautiful dark haired, olive-skinned women stormed out. Anna Maria Costado, known on television for her dramatic entrances on her night time drama, Passions, paused for a moment to scan the area, then beelined for the outdoor bar. Matthew joined her, the good host offering a drink.
Right behind her, three other people stepped out of the house. A tall blonde woman stopped dead in the doorway, frozen in place. Brigid sympathized with Delaney, the one member of their group who had completely distanced herself from everyone. Brigid understood it had all been about self-preservation, the member of the group that Brigid had found most difficult to connect with, but quickly discovered beneath the haughty socialite exterior, she was shy and not as confident as people believed. Her father’s arrest and death had devastated the other woman, and she had done what was instinctive. Retreat, regroup, and focus. Pride pulled her from the group. Now, she was terrified of the group’s reaction to her.
Judging by Anna’s bad temper, they had already clashed. Brigid glanced at her watch. Everyone had arrived within the past two hours. That had to have been a record for those two, getting along more like oil and flame than wine and cheese. Anna had resented Delaney for her wealth and social status, her jealousy almost causing a rift in the group. But they seemed to have reached a detente, especially once they had been forced to share a room at college. Caroline might have been Delaney’s oldest friend, but Anna was the one who felt the most betrayed, not understanding how Delaney could have tossed her friends aside so quickly. Anna had a long memory, like an elephant, and her forgiveness would not be quick in coming.
Brigid, for her part, understood Delaney’s decision. That wasn’t to say she wasn’t pissed but that was five years ago. If Delaney didn’t want their help, she was a big girl and that was her choice. Stupid, but Brigid got it, seeing how she found it easier to be an island as she worked her way up the firm’s ladder. Friends didn’t understand the grueling demands of her job and often drifted away, or, more likely blew up at her for being selfish, and stormed out of her life. Caroline was the one person who refused to give in, and dug in her claws to ensure Brigid never walked away, and she appreciated it, even if Caroline was sometimes a pain about it.
Wyatt Turner held Delaney’s arm. It had been years since she had seen him also, but she had heard about his injury and retirement from the NFL. Hard to miss any news about football in Texas, especially about a local boy making good. Well, until his injury when it all went down the drain. He retreated from everyone for a while and headed back to their alma mater, University of Texas, as a coach and she wondered how he felt about his change in plans. Judging by the lines of tension bracketing his mouth, either Anna had already pissed him off or life wasn’t as smooth as he had hoped. Well, whose life was?
Delaney clutched his forearm like a lifeline and Brigid shook her head. Wyatt had better drop his hand quickly or else Ethan Van Owen, Delaney’s former ex-fiancé, would do something about it, judging by the thundercloud expression on his face. He glowered at them but no one else noticed since he was in the shadow of the doorway, behind Delaney. He caught Brigid staring and relaxed his face.
Yeah, his feelings weren’t gone, not by a long shot. This week was chock full of emotional bombs. Not exactly the relaxing vacation Caroline had promised. Brigid only hoped it wouldn’t backfire on Caroline and ruin the wedding. Judging by the faces of the gathered friends, it was a valid concern.
Matthew crossed the stone patio and hugged Delaney, introducing Grady, and the group had one big exhale as it seemed crisis had been averted. Everyone had a drink and was settled in their corners. But then Anna just couldn’t resist poking the elephant in the room.
“A best friend wouldn’t have disappeared for years,” Anna muttered, loud enough for the whole group to hear.
Brigid groaned and Caroline paled. Anna just couldn’t let shit go, her emotions always driving her and getting her into trouble. Brigid laid a hand on Caroline’s arm and stood, ready to intervene if necessary, but this was a battle that Delaney had to fight on her own. Better to get it over with now, rather than festering like a sore all week, ruining the wedding. How much backbone did Delaney have?
Delaney stepped right up in Anna’s business, her height giving her a few inches on the other woman, but Anna never backed down from a fight.
Delaney cocked her head and studied Anna in mock seriousness. “I thought you would have left Bianca St. John behind for this weekend. Or maybe you and Bianca are one and the same. Isn’t she the bitch? Or was that you?”
Brigid silently cheered. Go, Delaney. Show her what you’re made of.
But never count Anna out. She fought dirty. “Excuse me? You come gliding in here like the big society princess you always were, taking over, telling us all what to do, expecting everyone to bow and scrape to you. Well, I have news for you, ice queen. You were knocked off that pedestal a long time ago. I was there. Then you were gone. Left us peons in the dust like yesterday’s pastry.”
Okay, this had gone on long enough. Nothing was being resolved and only feelings were getting hurt over and over. Not productive one bit. Brigid strode between the two women and held up both hands as if directing traffic. “Stop it, both of you. This is not about your anger or your past. This is about our friends getting married and starting a new life together. They don’t need this tension to ruin their day. So, take your corners and stay out of each other’s way. I don’t care what you do, as long as you shut up.”
A stunned silence fell over the patio. Only the dull roar from the waves and the chirping of bugs broke the silence. For a long moment, no one said anything. Then Anna started to laugh, a deep throaty, sexy sound that she had perfected so many years ago and was now a trademark sound for her character, Bianca St. John.
“Of course, counselor. I can see why you’re a lawyer, Brigid. No problem with confrontation and a blunt mediation style. I’d hate to be on the witness stand facing you.” Anna stood and held out her hand to Delaney. “I’m willing to bury the hatchet if you are.”
“Where are you burying it?” Delaney muttered but, at the sharp look from Brigid, subsided and took Anna’s hand. “Fine. For Caroline.”
“For Caroline.” Anna agreed then pulled her close for an awkward hug.
Words were exchanged but Brigid couldn’t hear the details. As long as the women stopped sniping, she didn’t care. God, dealing with me was so much easier.
*
Dinner had been a tense affair, filled with inane conversation and lots of dead air. Brigid wasn’t allowed to go back to the office and, honestly, she didn’t really want to. It was nice having down time, time to relax and not worry about work. She totally understood why people liked their vacations. Needing some space, she took a walk on the lawn, intending to head for the beach and the sand but lethargy overtook her at the edge of the lawn, right before the dunes leading to the water. A couple of Adirondack chairs and a table had been placed there and she pulled her hoodie around her and snuggled into the chair.
The night was cool, the sea breeze chasing away the heat from the day. Brigid closed her eyes and listened to the waves rolling in gently and soothing in a rhythmic way. Her muscles loosened and a languor settled on her, quieting her mind for the first time in a long time. She could get used to this.
The chair next to her creaked as someone settled in it. Brigid cracked in eyelid and saw Delaney, hesitantly perching on the edge of the chair. She smothered a laugh at Delaney’s efforts to try and sit elegantly in an Adirondack chair. Some things never really changed.
“Needed to get away too?” She spoke softly but Delaney still jumped at the voice.
Brigid gestured to the chair. “Please, sit. You’re the one person who probably understands best how I feel right now.”
Delaney eased back in the chair, and sipped a glass of wine. Brigid reached out for her glass and took a sip, wetting her lips and throat more than really wanting the wine. They sat there quietly, the stars slowly coming out as the darkness fell.
“Isn’t this a bitch? This wedding? This whole week?” Brigid spoke into the night. “Not that Caroline and Matthew getting married sucks. But this whole reunion week, like we’re one big happy family who just drifted apart?”
“Yeah, well, I guess family is one way
of putting it. The most dysfunctional, sorry group of people ever.”
Brigid laughed and struggled to a more upright position, leaning toward Delaney. “I’m sorry about Anna. I should have stuck up for you.”
Delaney shrugged. “She’s like a bully on the schoolyard. She’ll push and push until you push back. It’s her edge.”
“She’s a bitch,” Brigid flatly replied.
Delaney pursed her lips but had nothing to say.
The moments dragged on, then Brigid sighed. “She’s not a bitch. She was always jealous of you. Hell, she still is, judging by her nasty attitude earlier.” Brigid’s voice was small and quiet. Where had they all gone wrong?
“She never used to be this edgy, this mean. What happened?”
“We all changed.” Brigid struggled to the edge of the chair, needing Delaney to understand what she was saying. “Delaney, you would have never walked away like you did tonight. I was hoping you’d put her in her place like always. And, at the shower, you just stood there when she spilled the punch on your beautiful cream dress. What happened to you?”
“You said it. We all changed.”
“So why did you do it? Why did you walk away from everyone?”
There it was, the million-dollar question that everyone wanted to know. Each of them had their own opinions as to what happened. Caroline’s was the nicest of course, saying Delaney needed space. Anna just said Delaney was a bitch and didn’t give a damn about any of them. And Brigid, what did she think? She was pissed. Maybe it was the first time she had admitted it. Not that she had foreseen Delaney to remain a bosom friend. No, it was the wake of destruction strewn behind her that Brigid was left to manage. Caroline missing her oldest friend. Ethan in shock and looking to Brigid and Caroline for answers. And so many changes in their lives.