Ramona glanced blindly around the café as she struggled to put her worries into words. “He’s been distant, preoccupied. Moody.”
“Does it have something to do with the university?” Doreen’s straight eyebrows knitted in concern.
“I don’t know.” Ramona shrugged her frustration.
“Why don’t you just ask him?” Benita’s voice came from somewhere behind Ramona.
The presence of her rival triggered all of Ramona’s high school resentment. She tried to bury the eighteen-year feud as she shifted on the bar stool to face Benita. It didn’t help that her former classmate was even more beautiful than she’d been when they’d attended Heritage High.
Ramona’s tone cooled. “I have asked him. He says it’s nothing.” She returned her attention to Megan and Doreen. “I’ve stopped asking. I thought he’d tell me when he was ready. But it’s been months.”
“When did you notice his mood change?” Benita settled onto the bar stool beside her, much to Ramona’s regret.
“After we came back from Ken’s retirement party.” Ramona sliced into her French toast. Part of her resented Benita’s questions. It made it harder to ignore the other woman.
Benita inclined her head toward Megan and Doreen. “Good morning. How are you ladies?”
Doreen gave Benita the warm smile she reserved for her friends. “I’m fine, thanks, Benita. What can I get you?”
“Just coffee for now, please. I’m still easing into the morning.” Benita’s dimple winked into her right cheek.
Ramona scowled some more. “Has Quincy said anything to either of you? Or to Ean and Darius?”
“He’s sent Ean and me a couple of e-mails.” Megan poured a mug of coffee for Benita. “He didn’t mention any problems.”
“He hasn’t said anything to me, either.” Doreen shook her head.
“Maybe it’s time to ask him again.” Benita sipped her coffee. “And this time, don’t take ‘It’s nothing’ for an answer. The two of you are a team. Communication is the foundation of every relationship. If your relationship is going to flourish, you have to communicate.”
Benita sounded so smart and confident. She set Ramona’s teeth on edge.
“I should have spoken with you weeks ago.” Doreen cradled her coffee as though desperate for its warmth.
Ramona considered Doreen. “Is there trouble on your island, too?”
“Alonzo has been distant, preoccupied, and moody for months.” Doreen gave Ramona a pointed look. “Sound familiar?”
“He and Quincy must be on the same prescription medication.” Ramona’s tone was dry with sarcasm. She loved a good mystery but not when it interfered with her personal life.
Benita’s brows knitted. “Alonzo seemed fine every time we discussed your wedding plans.”
“I can tell when something’s on his mind.” Doreen shrugged restlessly. “He’s been acting strangely since I accepted his proposal.”
“Maybe that’s why Quincy’s been moody.” Ramona suspected she was grasping at straws. “Maybe he’s going to propose.”
“I think it’s more likely that Alonzo’s getting cold feet.” Doreen stared into her coffee mug as though seeking answers.
A chill traveled Ramona’s spine. Doreen’s words echoed the fear she’d been shutting out for the past four months.
“That’s not possible, Doreen.” Megan’s denial was confident. “Alonzo’s loved you too much and for too long to have cold feet.”
“Just ask him what’s wrong.” Benita leaned into the counter, holding Doreen’s gaze. “And this time, don’t allow him to be evasive.”
“Well, Doreen, we have our homework.” Ramona slid a glare toward Benita. The other woman was right. Darn her. “We have to ask our men why they’re acting like . . . men.”
What was behind Quincy’s distance, his preoccupation, his moodiness? Did she have the courage to find out?
“I want to come home to Trinity Falls.” Quincy stared at his sandwich, roast beef and cheddar on whole wheat.