Page 103 of A Newport Christmess

Rachel was already in a gorgeous gold dress with sequins that hugged her in all the right places. Her hair was curled and pinned back on one side. “We still have a little time.”

“I’m so sorry. I should have warned you that Benadryl knocks me out, and you had complete permission to dump water on my head or do whatever you needed to wake me up.”

She laughed. “My boyfriend always takes it before a long flight, and he’s out for hours.”

My gaze flew to hers. “What did you say?”

The intensity of my reaction made her brow quirk and her smile falter. “Maybe I shouldn’t admit that he uses it off label.”

“No. I mean, you have a boyfriend?”

She nodded, still looking confused.

I stared at Rachel, trying to make sense of the revelation. “But ...” I shook my head.

“Is something the matter?”

“No.” I hesitated. “Except ... I was under the impression Nikki wanted to set you up with Landon.” Rachel having a boyfriend didn’t change anything, though. Did it? This had never been about Rachel—not really. It had been about Landon needing someone who wasn’t a disaster.

“Considering she set me up with Todd, I’m positive that isn’t her intention.” Her lips pursed. “But when I was visiting her and Kade the other day, he hinted that Nikki had someone in mind for Landon. And from what I understand, that’s a huge deal after everything that happened. Nikki must be certain of whoever it is.” Her gaze went distant. “But I can’t think of who it might be. I haven’t seen him interacting with anyone in particular.”

Rachel’s words swirled around my mind. If Nikki hadn’t intended to set Landon up with Rachel, why had she acted like she was unless ... my gaze lifted to hers. “It’s me. She’s been trying to set me up with Landon. This whole time. Landon was right.”

Rachel’s eyes lit with excitement. “Of course it’s you! That’s why Nikki kept sending him concerned glances throughout the rehearsal dinner and during our day around Newport—because you weren’t there.” Her shoulders dropped at the same time as her smile. “Now I feel bad for asking him to give me a ride back to the hotel. He was probably eager to get home and check on you after your ex-husband showed up at his house.” Her eyes widened, and her hand flew to her mouth. “But you were here. Does he know that? He’s probably worried sick.”

“He knew. I talked to him right before my phone died.” I purposely left off the fact that it had been a pitiful conversation that probably hadn’t helped to ease his worry.

“But the two of you aren’t dating?”

“No.” I nearly gave myself whiplash with how intensely I shook my head. “I’m afraid Nikki was wrong about us—about me, anyway. Landon needs someone who has their life in order. Someone like you ... except, not you, because you have a boyfriend, it turns out.”

“It might surprise you to hear this, but I don’t have my life in order. Honestly, I’m not sure many people do.”

“But on the spectrum, everyone’s a lot further along than me. Even those who know me best doubt I’m ready for another relationship.” At least, my mom doubted I was.

“And do you think that?”

“I don’t know what I think.” I glanced at the clock. “Except for that I’d better get changed so you’re not late.” I gathered my stuff and scurried into the bathroom, trying to avoid overthinking everything again.

Before I put on my dress from last night, I held it over the bathtub to give it a good shake, holding my breath and closing my eyes. I hoped any remaining Christmas tree remnants would fall off with the brisk motion. I didn’t want to spend the day in a Benadryl-induced sleep. Though another allergic reaction might be a valid excuse for missing the wedding.

My stomach knotted at the thought of not being there today, especially now that I was nearly certain Nikki had been trying to set me up with Landon this whole time. So, instead of being relieved I didn’t show up, she’d now be utterly disappointed. On her wedding day. Why in the world had she picked me for Landon? Out of the countless women she knew—all of which were a lot more ... everything than I was—she’d chosen me. What did she see that I didn’t?

But it didn’t matter. My window of opportunity had passed. The wedding started in an hour. And besides, I couldn’t think about what Nikki wanted. Or my mom. Or Cody. Or Ashlee. Or even me. I needed to think about what Landon needed. Not now, but years from now when the novelty of being with me wore off, and he was left to deal with the repercussions of my crazy in his everyday life.

When I finished dressing, I opened the door, and Rachel glanced up from her phone. “Quinn, you need to see this.”

A tinge of nerves shot through me. “What?”

“Here.” She handed me her phone. It was paused on an image of Nikki’s face, smiling.

I sat on the edge of the bed, my finger hovering over the video. Then, I noticed my account had been tagged in the video. I glanced up, feeling slightly uneasy. “What is it?”

“Just watch it. It was posted a few hours ago.”

Hesitantly, I clicked the image, and the video began.

“Hey, Instagram family.” Nikki’s hair was done in an elegant updo, but her face was still bare of makeup. Not that she needed it, but with the white robe she wore, I was guessing she was mid-getting ready for the wedding. “Today is the big day. I get to marry the man you’ve all watched me fall in love with, and I couldn’t be more excited.”