Page 66 of The Seashell of ’Ohana

“When’s the wedding?” Stella asked.

“We haven’t decided yet, but I’ll let you know as soon as we set the date.” Kate brought her hand to the sunlight filtering in from the front window. The diamond sparkled right in my eyes.

“Hey, put that down before you blind me.” I snorted. “Kauai has good weather all year round, so you might want to check quickly. Dates will be taken fast, not just from locals. Couples come from all over the world to get married here.”

“Good idea, sis. That’s why you’re my maid of honor, and Ian is Lee’s best man.”

“Awwww. That’s so sweet,” Stella said genuinely, with no hint of sarcasm this time.

“Well, congratulations, Kate.” Liam clasped his hands. “You ladies enjoy your talk about weddings and stuff. I need to get back to work.”

“I’ll be right behind you,” I said, and focused back on my sister. “Ian is Lee’s best man?”

Of course, he was.

“Are you okay?” Kate rested her hand on my back. “You look baffled or mad.”

Stella looked away from the computer and swirled her rolling chair to face us. “Abby made that face after you mentioned Ian’s name. I think she’s confused about her feelings.”

“What? Am not.” But I was.

I went to the table, grabbed a paper mug, and poured myself a coffee. I already had a cup at home, but I needed a second one. I had tossed and turned the night before with another dream of Steve and Ian.

The dreams were short, and my memory of them had faded. I only remembered waking up hot and bothered and unsure if I’d been kissing Ian or Steve.

Stella furrowed her brow. “Uh-huh. You keep telling yourself that and someone is going to get hurt. You better make a move soon, or someone else will. Isaac told me single women from their circle of rich friends”—she used her index and middle finger to make air quotes—“have been knocking down Ian’s door ever since they found out he’s back.”

“Ian and I are just friends.” I tried to sound convincing, but how was Stella supposed to believe me if I couldn’t convince myself?

I took a sip of the coffee and spat it out. “Crap.” I wiped my mouth with a napkin I grabbed off the table.

“Are you okay?” Kate rushed over to me.

“I forgot I was drinking something hot.” I fanned my open mouth and stopped when I realized how ridiculous I was acting.

“See.” Stella bobbed her shoulder. “She gets distracted when I mention Ian.”

“I do not,” I said, sounding like a child. “Maybe I shouldn’t go to the auction.”

“What? Why?” Kate crossed her arms, leaning to one side of her hip. “Those tickets are expensive, and Ian bought one for you.”

I inhaled a long breath and exhaled a longer one as I peered up to the ceiling. “It won’t be a loss for him. He can take someone else. I think he’s dating someone named Jackie. I met her when I dropped you off at Ian’s house yesterday.”

Kate raised her eyebrows. “So that’s what’s going on.”

I took another sip, not liking Kate and Stella scrutinizing me like I was in the wrong.

“You two are acting strange.” I frowned.

“Oh, I get it now.” Stella nodded, her eyes sparkled in amusement.

I hated when they talked like they were in on a secret.

“Anyway,” Kate said. “You should go. If you don’t go, then it’ll seem like you’re ignoring him on purpose. Besides, Ian isn’t picking you up, right? My understanding is that he’s meeting us there.”

I lifted my lips to the side. “I guess you’re right. Fine. I’ll go.”

“Also, Abby …” Stella pointed up a finger. “Remember, one of your paintings is up for auction. It’s good PR.”