Danielle wrinkles her nose and looks down at the dress. It’s light pink, low-cut, and flows around her legs when she walks. “I don’t look like I’m trying too hard to be on a tropical vacation?”
“You are on a tropical vacation.”
She laughs. “Well, thanks. You better look good too, Dawson. I need to show off my arm candy.”
I get my shit and go into the bathroom to get ready. I’m done before Danielle and take my book onto the balcony to read. Half an hour later, Danielle’s hair is curled.
“This is why I don’t curl my hair that often.” She runs her fingers through it and looks in the mirror. “I have too much hair. Sometimes I consider chopping it all off.”
“That’d make your sister happy.”
She lets out a snort of laughter. “Right?”
I stick my phone and wallet in my pocket and lead the way out of the room. Neither of us talk as we walk down the hall and into the elevator. I take another look at Danielle once we get in, crowding to the back as another family pushes in with several large suitcases.
Danielle reaches up with her left hand, pushing her curls back and the ring gets stuck in her hair.
“Hang on,” I tell her, angling my body toward hers and cupping my hand around her fingers. Danielle is wearing heels today like she usually does, but I’m still several inches taller than her. I look at the ring, seeing several strands of hair stuck under the little brackets that hold the fake diamond into place.
I move my gaze to her face…to her long lashes and her brilliantly bright eyes. And then to her lips that are parted and covered in dark pink lip gloss. If I look farther down, I’ll see the swells of her breasts under her dress and will remember all too well how she looked this morning.
“Ow!” She winces, and I realize I just pulled her hair. Clearing my throat and forcing myself to focus on the task at hand, I carefully untangle her hair until she’s free. “I’ll try to remember not to do that again.”
“Show off the ring and then take it off,” I suggest. “Say you’re worried you’ll lose it on the beach or something.”
“Good idea.”
The elevator stops on the main lobby and everyone gets out. It takes us a while to figure out where to go since this place is fucking huge. I spot Danielle’s mother and sister right as she comes to a dead stop.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, turning and seeing her wringing her hands.
“It’s the whole fucking bridal party.”
“Yeah? They’re here for the wedding.”
She shakes her head. “I know…it’s…it’s just who’s in it.”
“Bad history?”
Her eyes close in a long blink. “Not really. It’s just…it’s stupid. I’m an adult and shouldn’t worry about these things, right?”
“I don’t want to agree or disagree until I know the full story.”
Danielle lets out a breath. “I shouldn’t care anymore. I…I don’t want to care anymore. I’m a grown woman. I’m happy. I like my life in Eastwood, and while I would maybe go back and do a few things differently, I like to believe what Grandpa says. What happened yesterday is the reason for where I am today. Good or bad, you can’t change the past.” She nods. “You can only accept that all you have is your next choice. And I’m choosing not to give a fuck.”
I tip my head, watching her wring her hands. “I think that was the start to a motivational speech, but I’m a little fucking confused.”
Her eyes flutter shut, and she lets out a deep breath, trying hard to relax. What the hell is going on inside her head right now?
“Those girls have been my sister’s friends for years. I know them, and they know me. And trust me when I say they make Regina George look like a saint.”
“It’s your fault I understand that reference.”
Her lips curve into a small smile. “It’s a good movie. I can’t believe you’d never seen it before. But that’s not the point. The point is, with that group of plastics, where you went to grad school and how many country clubs you’ve been to in the last year is all that matters.”
“So, you’re saying they’re not going to be impressed with a bartender from Eastwood?” I rub my hands together. “I’m going to have fun with this.”
More tension leaves Danielle’s shoulders. “They’d be impressed if they knew how profitable Getaway was.”
I shrug. “We don’t do too bad for ourselves.”
“Oh come on, Logan. I know I don’t have access to the books, but I know you guys are bringing in a hell of a decent profit. Owen brings it up any time he’s had a few shots and there’s a pretty girl at the bar. Which is basically every night.”