Page 19 of Something Blue

She glanced at the suitcase Tanner left on her doorstep. It had stayed firmly shut since being wheeled into her room. “No, not yet.”

“Tanner dropped off the suitcase, right? He was supposed to keep an eye on it until we got there, but he had an emergency with his girlfriend.”

It wasn’t Tanner’s fault she hadn’t opened the suitcase. She grimaced and plopped down next to it. “Yeah, he brought it, and it’s in my room. I’ve been worried about what’s in there.”

“Well, it’s not snakes,” he said chuckling. “I told Rolando to pull conservative, but cute outfits from the wardrobe.”

“You told him to pack it?”

“Of course. If you’re going to be with me, and we’re posting to social media, you should at least look the part.”

There it was again. That slightly cocky attitude. “At least you’re honest.”

“That was a little brash. Sorry. Will you at least open it so I know everything fits? We can always switch something out.”

Putting the phone on speaker, she unzipped the luggage and pulled out two bathing suits and three pairs of sandals to see the rest of the goods. “Ah, these are so nice,” she said, moving everything around. “He even got me sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen. Tell Rolando thank you. He has good taste.”

Andy huffed and mumbled to himself about Rolando, but she didn’t catch it.

“Is your mom the reason you didn’t want to go on vacation?”

“You’re not backing out, right?” Her heart thumped wildly within her chest. Even though it would solve most of her problems, the thought of facing everyone alone was too much to bear.

He paused. “Man, I really say the wrong things.”

His apologetic voice softened her some. “It will be hard without Mom, yes, but there is another reason. Facing someone who is actually there will be harder. Chase, to be specific.”

“Who’s Chase?”

Heat rushed to her face as his tone demanded an answer. “You sound like a jealous boyfriend.”

“Well, I’m supposed to be, right?”

She laughed and slapped her chest with one hand to make it stop working so hard. “Right.” She debated whether to tell him about her relationship with Chase. If he knew, maybe he could help. “Our resort is a timeshare, so most of the owners come like clockwork. We’re a close-knit family that sees each other once a year.”

“And Chase is one of those close friends?”

“Yes. Chase and I graduated the same year. After high school, we drifted apart, but we’re still friendly.”

“And you had a thing for him, but he never noticed you, right?”

She huffed and slammed the suitcase shut. “Kind of.” The amount of time Andy had ignored her in high school was even more embarrassing. “And he’s the groom.”

Andy clucked his tongue. “Are you planning to break up the wedding?”

His question had never occurred to her. She’d wanted to wow Chase, especially now that she had a new look, but breaking up the wedding seemed ridiculous.

“No. That would be too mean, but I do want him to know what he’s passed up.”

“You should’ve let me know. I would’ve packed extra sexy outfits. If you look the same as you did the other night, he will regret his decisions in no time.” His tone was ultra-flirty, confusing her further.

“So you’re happy with my look?” She twiddled with the zipper as she waited for him to answer.

“Of course. I told you so.”

Instead of saying what she thought, she grunted. “Your eyes did look like they might fall out.”

He gave a nervous laugh. “You noticed, huh? I guess I played my part well.”

---