‘Shit!I totally forgot about brunch! Did the photographer show up? Was the food OK? I ordered dumplings.’
‘Never mind that. Where are you?’
‘I’m hiding out at your bungalow.’
Maya was right. Naomi sought her out when things got crazy. Growing up, Naomi hid in Samantha’s bedroom when Amelia was on the warpath. Together they’d strategize how best to get her back in her mother’s good graces before the weekend came around. They could always figure something out. Why would it be any different now? It came down to something Samantha had always known: Naomi only allowed herself to be vulnerable around a handful of people, and she had the privilege of being one of them. She wouldn’t let her down, not today of all days.
‘I’ll be right there.’
‘Come alone,’ she said, her voice shaking. ‘I need to talk to someone who isn’t my mother … or Anthony’s mother.’
‘Sure thing.’
Samantha tucked her phone in the pocket of her dress. She tucked away any lingering insecurities, too. From the beginning, she’d considered this destination wedding extravaganza a test of her friendship with Naomi. It wasn’t. Their friendship was fine. Now it was time to act.
Anthony crept forward. ‘What did she say?’
‘She wants to talk. I’m going to meet with her.’
‘Good,’ Roman said. ‘We’re on track.’
‘Could you please tell her I love her?’ Anthony asked.
The poor guy looked a wreck. ‘I’m sure she knows.’
He repeated his request, desperate. ‘Could you tell her anyway?’
Samantha had struggled to distinguish the man from the fitness guru. On this fine morning she saw him for who he was, a guy with a finely chiselled face and body, but just a guy nonetheless.
‘Let Sam handle this,’ Roman said. ‘She knows Naomi better than anyone. She’ll know what to say.’