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A memory flashed in her mind. “Remember Melanie, that girl Dean dated our freshman year of high school? Remember how he treated her when they broke up? He never returned her calls, never even spoke to her again. He would do the same thing to me.”
Gail crossed her arms. “He dumps girls so easily because he still has you on his mind, silly.”
On to the next problem. “Last night he caught me talking to Finn alone, and I think he’s upset.” Gail’s eyebrows rose, and Emilie knew she’d gotten the wrong idea, just as Dean did. “It was all innocent, I promise.”
Gail studied her, her attention never wavering. “That’s a sticky line you’re walking. Who wouldn’t be suspicious of you talking to Finn alone? You used to date him. Remember, avoid any appearance of evil. You have enough on your plate figuring out if you like Dean. Focus on him. No other man, especially not someone bogus like Finn.”
Emilie’s throat constricted, making it hard to swallow. She wasn’t used to Gail’s scolding tone. Ava, sure. But not her. Gail usually supported her in everything she chose to do.
Emilie’s words caught in her throat. “Yeah, I guess when you put it that way, I should’ve been more careful.”
Gail patted her knee. “So, what’s your plan?”
Emilie shrugged, and a twinge of hope dug itself inside of her. That’s why she’d visited Gail. She always knew the right thing to do. “What do you think of Dean?”
“Oh no. I can’t do that, honey.” Gail shook her head, stood up, and walked to the kitchen. She pulled out pots and pans and began dinner. “But I can make you something to eat. How about spaghetti?”
“You bet.” Emilie sat at the counter and watched the woman work her magic.
“Just remember this is your choice,” Gail said, her voice tender and slow. “Your life. What do you really want?”
Emilie blew out an exasperated breath. “That’s not what I want to hear. I’m not sure anymore. At first, I moved here with every intention of moving away. But it hasn’t been horrible. Dean’s been so helpful, and we’ve had fun together. I have felt things for him, but I’m not brave enough to act on it.”
“You’ll figure it out, honey. I believe in you.”
After a hug and some dinner, Emilie went home with a heavy heart. Dean never came by, and she locked herself downstairs. Instead of thinking, she turned on a medical drama and zoned out.
Her phone rang a few times, but she ignored it. When the phone kept ringing, she finally looked. Three calls from Ava and a call from Dean.
Emilie raised an eyebrow. She ignored Dean and sent Ava a text. She wasn’t sure she could fake enthusiasm.
Sorry, can’t talk right now. What’s up?
A few minutes later, Ava sent back a response.
Just wanted to know if you’re good to help with some final wedding plans next week?
She wasn’t sure what that entailed, but it was time to say no to Ava’s demands. Emilie sighed and sent back a reply.
I’ve got a busy week before your wedding. I’m sorry. Hope you can work it out.
That felt good. She saved Dean’s call for later and went back to zoning out. A few minutes later, her phone rang with a call from Finn. Why did it have to be him? She held the phone for four rings before answering.
“Hey, just the girl I want to talk to.” His voice was overly cheerful and sweet.
Emilie bit her lip. Finn was friendly to everyone, but she could see how Dean had misunderstood. She’d have to set clear boundaries with him. “Did you need something?”
“Kind of. I wanted to go over the wedding plans with you for next weekend and make sure you knew about everything.”
Emilie’s heart fell. Had Ava whined to Finn about her not wanting to help? “Oh, Ava texted me something about it.”
“That’s my girl. Always on top of things. I’ll give you the details so you can plan ahead.”
Her ability to turn him down was not as strong. She reached over for a pen and notepad on the little table next to her bed. “Okay,” she said, trying to cover up a sigh that escaped with a cough. “Give me the details.”
“Ava went crazy with all of the events, so the wedding weekend turned into a week. There are lots of activities once we get to the resort.”
“The resort?” Emilie paused. She knew the wedding was going to be in Cape Cod, but didn’t know any more information. “How long should I book a room for?”
