Page 74 of All Signs Point to Malibu

“You look beautiful,” I say honestly. I need to ease into this conversation.

“It’s not too much? I mean, we’re only having a small wedding now,” she says with deep disappointment in her tone as she studies herself critically in the mirror.

I see my in and I take it. “Are you sure you want to do that? Why not wait a while so you can have the wedding of your dreams?”

Sonia seems to think about it as she stares at her reflection.

Maybe this will be easier than I thought.

But I’m not that lucky. “No, I want to do this now. The resort construction schedule is going to be nonstop this fall into early winter and possibly into next year.”

They’re determined to go through with this rushed wedding based on the Banks Resort build schedule. That, in itself, should be a big red flag.

“This dress is gorgeous and you look stunning. I just want to make sure you don’t regret not getting to wear that Pierre Cargot design you had your heart set on.” Appealing to her desire to impress is the only ammunition I have right now.

She pouts. “That’s the biggest disappointment in all of this, but I have him designing a beautiful gown for the first resort grand opening instead.”

“Perfect. Problem solved,” I say and drown the contents of my champagne glass.

Her face suddenly lights up and she swings around to face me. “Hey! I forgot to tell you—I landed a role in a thriller! It’s just a small part, but it’s a start.”

It doesn’t escape my notice that Sonia is more excited about the role than her upcoming wedding.

But this is the aspect of her life that I can be genuinely excited about, and I don’t want to be a downer in this big moment. “That’s fantastic!” I say.

“Because of you. Thank you for everything—sincerely.”

I nod and hesitate, but she’s cued up the perfect opportunity. “What did Liam say?”

Sonia avoids my eyes in the mirror as she smooths the fabric of the dress over her hips. “I still haven’t told him. I will,” she says quickly. “After the wedding. We just have so much going on right now.”

Excuses.

Sonia knows Liam won’t be happy about the life, career, and future she’s trying to build in California when he hopes to move back to New York eventually. I want to point out that starting their marriage with a secret like this will set the wrong tone for their future, but I need to approach this carefully. I simply nod, smile supportively, then sip the champagne.

Liam needs to find out soon. The clock is ticking.

“Okay. I think this is the one,” Sonia says. “Your turn.”

My eyes widen. “What?”

“Your maid of honor dress,” she says, climbing down from the platform in front of the three-way mirror and heading toward a rack of dresses.

I follow her. “We’re still doing that?”

She sends me a look. “Of course. The plans for our wedding party are the same. I’ve told my cousins to stop by for their fittings this week. I picked a simple, classic, short—” she lowers her voice “—kinda ugly design that won’t show me up.”

“Wonderful,” I mutter.

“Oh, but not for you! I want you to choose whatever you like. My treat,” she says as she continues to peruse the selection.

That’s nice of her, but I feel even more guilty letting her pay for a dress I’m hoping to not wear.

“This one is perfect!” she says, taking one from the rack a moment later and holding it out for me to see.

It is perfect. We’ve only known one another a short time, but Sonia has nailed it. The pale blue, sweetheart neckline, tank-style, floor-length dress she’s holding is exactly my style...

“Try it on,” she says, not waiting for a reply as she practically forces me into a change room with the dress and shuts the door.

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