Page 26 of Love in Bloom

“You look spectacular this evening,” Emily said to Wren.

“You all look lovely,” Mrs. Hart added.

“Oh, this old thing?” Wren plucked at the sleeveless, purple-lace cocktail dress. It fell mid-thigh and made the most of her modest curves. The boat neckline was conservative but then plunged to an unexpected mid-back V. “It’s been ages since I had an excuse to wear anything other than jeans and work shirts. It’s fun playing dress-up.”

“You’re lucky,” Rica said. “I have to dress up every day. I wish I could get away with casual clothes, but I don’t think people would trust me to manage their investments if I showed up in jeans and a Goldy Gopher sweatshirt.”

“You’d be surprised what you can get away with. When I work at home, I live in sweats or yoga pants, but I’ll wear business-casual on top in case I get a video call,” London confessed. “What they don’t know won’t hurt them. Trust me.” London winked and grabbed a few appetizers from a passing server.

“Speaking of trust,” Krista said pointedly and looked at Wren. “I helped set up the silent auction area this afternoon. I love the wildflower painting you donated.” Wren’s heart raced. Krista had an eye for detail and she’d hoped her friend had noticed the signature. Wren was counting on Krista to ask her about it. She was ready to tell her friends about her divorce and she hoped her set-up worked.

She prayed Miller would be right and her friends wouldn’t be too upset. Either way, Wren knew they wouldn’t make a scene in public. “The back of the painting had the inscription Wren Nash.” Wren focused on her ring as she tipped her head back and drained the rest of her champagne. She had nothing to be ashamed of.Other than selling your soul for security, of course,shame piped in. Shame rarely spoke up anymore, but it hadn’t left yet, either. Her therapist had said it would leave with time as Wren built her new life.

Krista continued as Wren gathered her thoughts. “Wren is an uncommon name, I was wondering if—”

“Nash was my married name,” Wren answered before Krista could ask the question. No one said anything. Her friends looked at each other as if to see if the others had heard what they had.

“You must have been quite young,” Mrs. Hart said, touching her arm. The small touch conveyed understanding and compassion, and Wren was grateful for it.

“Yes, yes I was.” Wren grabbed onto the lifeline Mrs. Hart had given her.

“Wow. That’s quite a secret to keep,” Krista said, sounding hurt.

“It’s not that I didn’t want to tell you guys, but it never came up in conversation.”

“That’s convenient, putting it back on us,” Krista accused. Wren took a deep breath. Miller was right, she should have told them earlier.

“I’m sorry. When I came to Haven, I left that part of me behind. I wanted a fresh start. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.”

“But it’s part of who you are,” Rica observed. “You can’t outrun it.”

“I know that, but I didn’t like myself before, and none of you would have liked me either.” She looked at her friends. “I’m happy here, and I’m more myself than I have been in a long time. I’m a successful businesswoman in a city I love with friends I adore. I really am sorry.”

“I hear what you’re saying, but that doesn’t make me feel any better. I’m going to make a walk-through to make sure everything’s still OK,” Krista said before walking away from the group.

“Should I go after her?” Wren asked. London and Rica shrugged their shoulders.

“No. Let her blow off some steam. Krista has a huge heart that’s easily bruised. She probably sees this as a reflection on her, like you couldn’t trust her or something. I wouldn’t worry about it,” Emily reassured her. “She’s very loyal. She’ll come around. Just give her some time.”

“If it’s not too painful, I’d like to know more. You’ve always been pretty tight-lipped about your past. Maybe the next time we’re all together for brunch?” Rica suggested.

“Brunch would be a better place than here,” London agreed. “Is there anything we can do?”

“I’m fine, and I’ll answer all your questions later, I promise.” Wren felt lighter now that she’d shared. Secrets had a way of weighing down her soul.

“Wren,” Mrs. Hart said, “the arrangements on stage are just lovely. You always do such a spectacular job.”

“Thank you. I’m glad someone is happy with my work.”

“Who complained?” asked London. One large swill of rum and two glasses of champagne had taken their effect. All of Wren’s bottled anger burst free.

“Diane Swanson had the gall to call my arrangements pedestrian in front of her friends. I’m great at what I do!”

“That seems like a random comment,” Emily said.

“Diane often helps at AAS,” Rica said. “And from what I’ve seen, she’s anything but random. She’s calculating. Something must have set her off, or she wanted to impress someone.”

“That makes sense,” Wren admitted. “As I was leaving, she told me to stay away from Miller. Michelle is planning to bid on him, and I think Diane considers me to be the competition.”

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