True Colors

Only a few minutes later, she heard a truck screech to a stop outside, then a metal door banged shut.

Dallas pushed open the cabin door so hard it cracked against the wall, making the whole room shudder. “What in the hell were you thinking?”

“I told her I was looking for you. What’s wrong with that?”

“Get out of here, Vivi. We’re done.”

She didn’t understand. “Why are you being like this?”

“Just leave, Vivi. I got enough regrets.”

She climbed out of bed, followed him, grabbed his arm. “Dallas, please—”

He grabbed her wrist so tightly she felt it bruise. “Go back to Khaki Ken and the church group and all those people you care about.”

“What if I care about you?” The question was out before she could stop it.

“Don’t be a fool, Vivi Ann.”

“I love you, Dallas.” For the first time in her life, those words came effortlessly.

“Ah, Vivi,” he said, gentling his hold. “You’re so naïve . . .”

She smiled up at him, knowing what she had to do now. Those words had changed everything, just as they were supposed to. “Kiss me, Dallas,” she whispered. “You know you want to.”

On this first night of Oyster Days, the streets were crowded with people, tourists and locals alike. A band was set up in the bank’s parking lot. The stage was elevated, allowing the musicians to look out over the throng dancing to their music, all the way to the row of food and craft vendors, to the lights along Shore Drive.

Winona was trying to be a good sport, but she was so angry that even dancing with Luke was no fun.

“Do you think I should take waltzing lessons for the reception?”

She rolled her eyes at that. “Have you had any indication that Vivi gives a shit about this wedding?”

“She’s not one for ceremonies. She likes quiet events.”

“Are you kidding me? Vivi?” Before she could say more, someone pushed up between them.

“Sorry, guys,” Julie John said. “Our foal, Peanut, is colicky, I think. Kent is walking him, but we’re worried. I’m sorry, Luke. I know you’re having fun, but—”

“Don??t worry about it,” he said. “I can be at your house in fifteen minutes. Tell Kent to keep up the walking. Whatever you do, don’t let Peanut lie down.” He turned to Winona. “Tell Vivi I’ll come find her when I’m done.”

After they left, Winona stood there staring out at the crowd, feeling more alone than should have been possible in this town of hers.

“There you are,” Aurora said a moment later, coming up beside her. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“Trying to make peace again, Aurora? I think you’re in the wrong family for that.”

“You can’t keep going like this, Win. We’re falling apart because of you.”

“Do you think I don’t know that?” Winona said, feeling as if the admission were tearing something inside of her, something that had always been intact before. “She’s my sister, and I love her, but . . .”

“You love him, too. I know. But you have to live with it somehow. You chose this.”

Winona shook her head. “Not this. If she loved him, I could accept it. I could maybe get past it.”

“Could you?”

She pulled away. “I’m out of here. Tell Luke and Vivi Ann I said good luck and have fun.” She was running now, feeling the start of tears.