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Finn’s jaw tightened. “I’ll find Emilie and make amends. You’re a much better man than I am. As far as Ava goes…” His words trailed off when Finn turned in the direction of the resort.
Dean interpreted Finn’s silence as him being done golfing. That was fine with him. He’d have to restrain himself from barreling anyone down on his way back to the room. “I think I’m gonna call it. Not sure I’m the better man, but I’m the worst golfer ever.”
“Sounds good. Thanks for having an honest talk with me. Not many people will lay it to you straight.”
Guilt slipped into Dean’s thoughts. He hadn’t told Finn everything, like how Ava’s interest in money might be the only reason she was marrying him. Before Dean could ruin Finn’s wedding, he turned around, and in doing so, smacked right into Ava.
“Ava, I—” Dean stuttered to find something to say. How long had she been standing there?
She huffed and glared at the two of them. “Finn’s not answering his phone, and I got the spa times mixed up. Massages don’t start for another ten minutes.” She turned to Finn. “I just wanted to tell you all of our guests arrived here safely, and your mom is still gossiping about me.”
Finn frowned. “It’ll be okay. I’m sure my parents will get over the extra expenses.”
Dean shoved his hands in his pocket, growing more uncomfortable by the minute. “See you two at dinner.”
He started off toward the resort, taking the long trail back by foot. He was sweaty and glad he’d have extra time before dinner to freshen up and relax in the air-conditioned room.
The sound of a golf cart whizzing behind him made him turn. Ava was at the wheel. She jerked to a stop next to him.
“Hey, blondie, get in.”
No way was he getting in. “I’m happy walking.” He picked up his speed.
She drove along after him, catching up to him in no time. “It wasn’t a suggestion. Get in. I’m sure Emilie would love to hear all of your secrets.”
There were other people on the course, but none from the wedding party, since he and Finn were last to golf. He squeezed his fist shut and winced as his blisters burned. “What do you want?”
Ava sneered. “You think you can get away with talking to my fiancé about me at my wedding and not have any consequences? Think again. Get in!”
21
Emilie
Emilie joined the women meeting in the lobby on the main floor. She recognized most of Finn’s side of the family, his two sisters, Rochelle and Guinn, and his mother, Sharon. They greeted her warmly and introduced her to an aunt she had never met.
There was a definite split in the group, and after greeting the Walter side of the family, she turned to see Ava’s friends, some of them Emilie’s friends from high school. Hadn’t Ava said none of her friends were coming?
“Hey, Emilie,” Shanelle said. Shanelle was one of the more friendly girls Emilie had shared a dance class with. Her oval-shaped green eyes and long red hair made her stand out in any crowd. She surprised Emilie with a hug.
“I heard you’re running the old dance studio downtown. I’d love to get my daughter in a tap or ballet class.”
Emilie’s nerves shook. But if she turned away everyone from her past, she wouldn’t have a job. “Sure, registration is ongoing, so come see me when this wedding week is done.”
Shanelle nodded and went back to her three groupies. They smiled, but turned away from her.
Her nerves disappeared. It would take time, but one by one, she would stop caring about what other people in town said or didn’t say.
Emilie checked the time on her phone. Where was Ava? They were supposed to be at the massage suite in a few minutes.
Just then, a golf cart pulled up to the valet parking. Ava was driving, but why was Dean with her? An unexpected flutter stirred in her stomach when she saw the two of them walking in together. They were having a heated conversation, and Dean didn’t look happy.
Sharon and her daughters noticed the argument and moved closer to Emilie.
“What’s Ava doing with your fiancé?” Sharon said. “Make sure you watch him, honey. She’s trouble. Every time I turn around, that girl has more issues. Finn needs to open his little blue eyes and see the real her.” The ladies hurried away from the door, whispering as they went. Maybe a one-on-one conversation with Ava was needed.
Dean stormed into the resort first, blasting past Emilie. Something was going on.
Devoid of any bother, Ava floated to the group, a wide smile on her face. Her hair was pulled back in a damp ponytail and sweat beaded across her forehead. She snatched a tissue from nearby and dabbed at her face. “Sorry for the delay, everyone. Just tying up loose ends.”
