How to Ruin a Wedding(83)

Valerie wavers. I can see the answer forming, her eyes flicking toward the tablecloth like the answer might be embroidered into the hem.

“Valerie,” I ask gently, “why do you think you keep remembering him? Is there something John lacks that Nick didn’t?”

Her brows knit. I’ve hit something.

She groans, tossing her head back. “It’s my stupid brother. He got in my head. Don’t tell him I said that.”

“What did he say?”

“That John’s terrible with money. And to be careful with mine. I brushed it off, but now, I don’t know, it’s messing with my head.”

“And Nick wasn’t?”

She shakes her head. “He came from money, so it wasn’t even a factor. But he had his own issues.”

“What kind of issues?” I press, softly.

She hesitates, then gives a small shake of her head. “I don’t want to get into it. It doesn’t matter.”

Taina drums her palms against the table again. “The more you speak of him, the more the universe screams. The voices are loud.”

Valerie’s eyes widen slightly. Then narrow. “What voices?”

“They are yours,” Taina says calmly. “They just sound different when you try not to listen.”

Valerie flinches.

For a second, I think she’s going to settle down. Ask more questions. Stay in this a little longer. But then—

“No.” Valerie stands abruptly. “I can’t. I won’t see Nick again. I’m sorry. I have to go.”

“Valerie—” I call, but she’s already halfway across the garden.

Taina sighs, sagging in her seat like she’s winded. I slump into my chair and groan.

Taina grabs my hand and rubs my palm. “I see a great deal of back pain in your future.”

I yank it back. “Please break character.”

“I don’t know.” Taina wiggles her brows. “Think I found a new hobby.”

“How about we focus on the hobby you are good at,” I say. “How fast can you find Nick’s contact info?”

“How fast can you make your signature mofongo?”

“An hour and a half?”

“Make it tasty.” Taina grins. “All right, plan time.”

I raise a brow. “You thinking what I’m thinking?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Taina says, pulling out her phone. “The universe speaks to me.”

“I’ll kill you.”

“Just tell me what you need from me. You’re going to invite him down, right? Set up a meet-cute?”

“I don’t know what that means.”

“God, Lucy, read a book, will you?”

“Anyway,” I go on, “if you mean getting him down for the Jack and Jill party this week, then sure.” I sort through blurred, drunk memories of our night of venue hunting. “I think he lives in North Carolina.”

“Not at all too far; doesn’t even warrant a flight.”

“Can you get me his contact info?” I ask. “Some general info on him?”

“Can a dog bark?”

I give her an exasperated stare.

“Okay, I’m on it. How are you going to get him down?”

“I’m pretty sure Valerie changed her number when she moved on to her next boyfriend. I can pretend I’m her with mine.”

“All right, we’re doing this.”

“I’m doing this. And then after this,” I add, folding my arms, “you’ll book a flight home, right?”

Taina freezes. “What?”

“I appreciate your help, and it’s been nice seeing you, but I have to finish this up on my own.” And you have to go back home before Mathew realizes you’ve been helping me all along.

She shakes her head. “No way, it’s getting good. I’m not leaving yet. What if you need me again?”

“I won’t,” I promise, “but thanks.”

She crosses her arms against her chest. “No.”

“Taina, I’m serious.” My brows pull together. “This is my mess; you’ve done enough to help.”

“Why can’t I stick around the whole time? I’m your sister,” she snaps, eyes flashing. “It felt like you were finally relying on me. You don’t just cut that thread now because you feel like it. Why can’t I be around, just in case?”

“I’m not pushing you out,” I say, even though I absolutely am. “I’m just letting you off the hook.”

Taina’s voice sharpens. “I want to be on the hook.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“It does, and you know it,” Taina says. “Besides, you do need me. Not just for wedding wrecking, but God, you need a reminder to lighten up a bit. Not freak out after you overthink about what you and Anders have fallen into. Live a little.”

I open my mouth, shut it, then snap back, “I think I’ll be fine. The wisdom you showed before seems to be missing now.”

Taina scoffs. “Wow. Just like that, you view me as the fragile little sister not able to help out when it matters.”

I blink. “Taina—”