Page 75 of Plotting Summer

Recognition lights her features. “Oh, you’re Walker’s sister … so Jane’s best friend. I think we have met. Sorry about that.”

“It’s fine,” I say, barely stopping myself from assuring her that I’m used to not being remembered. Tristan shifts at my side, but thankfully, he doesn’t say anything.

“So how long will you be in town?” Holland asks.

“Ummm …” I resist looking at Tristan for an answer. Though Tala insisted I stay through July, I’m not sure I’ll take her up on it. Even with my constant attempts to be helpful, I’m still a guest, and she’ll need to recoup at some point. But for now, I’m happy to stay. Especially considering I don’t have that much longer with Tristan before he leaves. “A week or two probably.”

“We should all get together while you’re here.” Her eyes glisten in the sunlight. “And I’m assuming you’re coming to book club with Tala and Jane?”

My head is shaking of its own accord. “No, it’s been a long time since I’ve read the book.”

Holland gives a dismissive wave. “That doesn’t matter. We mainly chat and eat snacks. You have to come.” She turns to Bridget. “And you should also come. It’s Saturday night at seven. We meet at Seaside Oasis.”

The collective gaze shifts to Bridget, and I’m silently pleading that she’ll say no. With a dainty swat at her ponytail, she shakes her head. “I’m not really one for book clubs.”

“Oh, but this one’s so much fun. You won’t regret going.” Holland’s energy is contagious enough that she nearly has me wanting to go. Which I absolutely will not be doing. “The old ladies reminisce and tell the craziest stories about when they were young. I seriously look forward to it every single month.”

Bridget shrugs like she’s far from sold on the idea, and I try not to appear too relieved.

“We’re reading a Sunny Palmer book,” Cat offers as though that might hold sway over her decision.

Tristan straightens next to me, and I know he’s thinking what I’m thinking—Bridget cannot read that book.

“I’ve actually never read a Sunny Palmer book.” Bridget says it as if it’s a point of pride.

Before I have a moment to celebrate the phenomenal news, Holland continues. “Well, you should right that wrong and join us. It’s a super-fast read.” She points at the bookshop behind Tristan and me. “I was just in The Book Isle yesterday, and they still have two copies in stock. Or you can borrow mine.”

“What’s the book called?” Bridget asks.

I force myself not to glance at Tristan in my desperation, but I’m spiraling. It’s like I’m living out one of my nightmares in real life.

“Secret Crush. And it takes place on an island just like Suns⁠—”

“Is that the parade starting?” Tristan interrupts, and all the ladies turn in the direction he’s looking. He takes the opportunity to glance down at me, apparently gauging how I’m doing. Or maybe he’s hoping for some kind of hint on how to proceed.

I’ve got nothing for him but a blank stare.

“I don’t think so.” Cat drops down from her toes and glances at her watch. “But we probably need to get going since Ivy’s holding our spots.” Cat directs her smile at me. “You should come sit with us, Capri.”

The offer sounds sincere, but I’m already shaking my head. “Thanks so much, but my family’s saving me a seat.” I take a step away from the group and lift a stiff hand in farewell. “It was good seeing all of you.”

“Hopefully we’ll see you at book club,” Holland says, optimistically.

I force a smile but don’t respond verbally.

Tristan shifts as though he intends to come with me, but I meet his eye, willing him to stay for at least a couple more minutes. These ladies cannot suspect anything is happening between me and Tristan. Even if Bridget, the woman he nearly married a few years ago, is touching his arm with her ringless hand to pull his attention back to her.

And I hate that it works.

A slight breeze has me digging my toes into the warm sand, and I cover my eyes with my hand, glancing around the crowded beach. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen this many people on Sunset Harbor. There aren't a lot of familiar faces in the crowd, so most of them must be mainlanders that came over for the Fourth of July Bash. And I can see why. With food trucks and beach games and music blaring over the speakers, Jane and the City Council have really outdone themselves this year. Though for that very reason, I can also see why Grandma wanted to head back to Seaside Oasis with Virginia after the parade. She’s never been one for big crowds while I thoroughly enjoy them. Not because I care to interact with anyone, but because it’s so easy to go unnoticed and people-watch to my heart’s content.

And at this moment, I need all the distraction I can get. I haven’t seen Tristan since I left him with Bridget, and my fiction-creating mind is weaving all sorts of potential stories. The problem is, being a romance writer, I’m well aware that there is something undeniably strong about the attachment to one’s first love. I’m also aware how, in real life, women like Bridget Hall always win. A few weeks ago, I would have gladly taken just a brief fling with Tristan and counted myself blessed, but now … now I want more. The thought of losing him already is wrecking me.

“Are you sure you’re okay staying with Serenity and Jack?” Tala asks, lifting the diaper bag onto her shoulder. “Because one of us can stay with you.”

“We’re fine. You two deserve a rest while Lucas sleeps.”

Heath smirks and wraps the arm not holding Lucas around Tala’s back. “Isn’t she cute? Capri thinks we’re going to rest.”