Page 118 of Book Club Confidential

Hallie sighed. “Whenever I have questions you don’t want to answer, you ask what I’m doing, as if there’s something wrong with me for having questions,” she said. She turned her attention to Bryce. “As if I’m being trained not to ask questions. Just follow your lead.”

Tessa suppressed a delighted grin.

Everyone from the preacher to the groomsmen and the lookie-loos seated with Mrs. Haymaker appeared confused or scandalized. All because Hallie had questions? Or was it because she’d just called them out on their bullshit?

Mrs. Haymaker stood. “Pastor Frederick is on a schedule,” she said. “Let’s save the Q and A for after the rehearsal.” She laughed softly at her joke, and a few of her nearest seatmates joined in.

Hallie’s cheeks flashed red, and she threw the little white hat at Mrs. Haymaker like a frisbee.

People gasped.

Gina snorted. Loudly.

Hallie fluffed her hair and squared her shoulders, then pulled the engagement ring from her finger. “I’m not the one for you,” she told Bryce. “We had a good run. I appreciate the years we shared, but this isn’t who I am or who I want to be. And I’m working on making better choices for my life.”

Bryce’s mouth opened in shock.

His groomsmen appeared mildly confused. Some looked around, as if her speech was part of a bigger joke or prank.

Then Hallie marched back up the aisle in her black combat boots. She looked over one shoulder as she passed Mrs. Haymaker and called out to her bridesmaids, “Let’s go, girls!”

Chapter Thirty-One

Hours later, when the adrenaline wore off, and they’d moved a number of key essentials from Hallie’s storage space back into her house, Tessa found a quiet corner to call Grant and relay the unexpected events of her day.

“That’s remarkable,” he said bluntly. “Truly main character worthy.”

“Indeed,” Tessa agreed with a grin. She unpacked a box of kitchenware while Hallie, her family, and Kate made loud, enthusiastic plans for Hallie’s perfect future. “I’m super proud of her. I can’t imagine doing what she did, but I know her life is going to be amazing and exactly what she wants it to be. No concessions.”

“A little concession,” he joked. “Tell me again about the Vampire Dinosaur Café.”

Tessa laughed and relayed the details until her throat was dry. She sipped a dirty soda, provided by the runaway bride, and marveled in the power her friend had taken back today. The way her family had rallied around her, never letting her think for a second they were anything but proud of her.

She emptied another box and flattened it, then spotted tomorrow’s date circled on the calendar. Tonight felt victorious. Tomorrow would be harder. She’d come back early to keep Hallie company and reassure her in case any fears or regrets reared their ugly heads.

“I’d love to invest in Hallie’s business,” he said. “I think Harbor Heights would flock to a darkly romantic bookstore and café. I already have experience launching both. I think I’d do a great job getting this sort of combo on its feet.”

Pride welled in Tessa as she listened. She couldn’t wait to tell Hallie. “I think you’re pretty amazing. Have I told you that?”

“I don’t think so,” he said. “But feel free to tell me again.”

“I think you’re amazing.”

“Enough to let me invest in you too? I know your new advertising firm will be unstoppable.”

Her smile grew, then waned. “Thank you, but I really want to figure that part out myself.” She wasn’t sure how, exactly, but she needed to find a financier who wasn’t the man stealing her heart.

“I suppose it could be awkward,” he said. “Dating the guy who’s funding your company.”

Tessa grinned, feeling easily half her age. “Are we dating now?” she asked. “When did that happen?”

“I’ve been dating you since the night you told me you were single,” he said. “Just taking it very slowly.”

She laughed again, a little louder this time. “Oh yeah?”

“Of course,” Grant said. “I didn’t want to rush you, but you kissed me recently, so I’m thinking now’s the time to ask.”

“If I’ll be your girlfriend?”