She’d actually set a trap to test her theory before she left for the coffee shop that morning. If Linc was holding back with her, then he’d ignore the bait. Though, to be fair, he probably wouldn’t even go home midday to find it, so she might not know for a while.
Rosalyn leaned forward, caught Zoey’s eye. Her gaze softened. “Look, you and Linc must be pretty good friends, or neither of you would have been comfortable with this arrangement.”
“Best friends.” The words flew from Zoey’s lips on autopilot. And she still believed them, even though they felt slightly less true than they would have several weeks ago. Before the fire, when Linc held her in the raining ash and smoke. Before Noah and Elisa got engaged, and Zoey became homeless and unemployed and?—
“Then I’m sure you’ll find your groove.” Rosalyn touched Zoey’s arm. “And hey, if it gets too weird, you’re welcome to come to my parents’ house again.” She winced. “I know Marta can be alittleintense about her carpet staying clean, but?—”
“I can’t do that. But I appreciate it.” Zoey squeezed her hand back. “You’ve only been back in Magnolia Bay for several weeks. I’m sure you’re still adjusting to living with your parents and not out of a suitcase, yourself. I don’t want to be a burden.”
To Rosalyn, Elisa, Noah. Linc. To anyone. That’s why she had to stay upbeat. Her friends had all been through enough the past year with the hurricane restoration, the lack of tourism, family drama, relationship issues…Rosalyn had been running from the Mafia a month ago, for goodness’ sake. Zoey didn’t need her friends worrying about her now that their lives had finally ironed out.
“It’s been interesting moving back home, for sure.” Rosalyn twisted her lips to the side. “But I’ll find my own place soon.”
“Unless Cade makes other plans…” Zoey grinned and wiggled her ring finger.
Rosalyn blushed. “Waytoo early for that.”
“But?” Zoey raised her eyebrows. “I hear abut.”
Rosalyn’s blush deepened and her smile widened. “But…maybe one day. In the meantime, I look forward to being Cade’s date at Elisa and Noah’s wedding. Dressing up, dancing?—”
“Catching the bouquet?” Zoey winked.
“I think Madame Paulette might body slam me for it.” Rosalyn grinned, pausing to take a sip of tea. “Are you going to the wedding with Linc?”
Zoey’s stomach flipped. “I hadn’t thought about it.” Oh, but now she was. Linc in a suit, long hair slicked back and styled, broad shoulders encased in a gray jacket…
“You’re both in the wedding, right? I know Cade is best man, and Linc is a groomsman.”
“I’m maid of honor.” Zoey nodded. That excused her from needing a date, didn’t it? She released a sigh of relief. Not that Linc would have asked her, or she him.
But good to have that out of the way.
Sudden footsteps sounded. “Girls!” Delia Boudreaux rushed toward their table as fast as her slight, post-hip-surgery limp allowed, her graying hair askew. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
Zoey pulled out the vacant chair between her and Rosalyn, frowning. “What’s wrong, Mama D?” Surely not the diner again…
Rosalyn leaned forward in concern as Delia plopped into the seat, breathing hard. “Can we get you anything?” She craned her head toward the front counter, gesturing for Miley’s attention.
“No, no.” Mama D caught Rosalyn’s hand, pressed it back down. “Don’t bother Miley. I’ve heard the weather report is extra cloudy today.”
“Cheers to that.” Zoey saluted Mama D with her cup. “So what’s wrong?”
She blew out a breath, chest heaving under her blouse. “I just had to ask—what are you both wearing to the wedding?”
Zoey and Rosalyn exchanged an amused look.
“Elisa’s wedding that’s in amonth?” Rosalyn tilted her head to the side, lips tilting in a gentle smile. “Mama D, I don’t know what I’m wearingtomorrow.”
Delia waved her hand. “Maybe not. I bet your man does though. Cade seems the type to iron the night before.” She turned her gaze to Zoey as Rosalyn snorted. “What about you, dear?”
“I’ll be in a maid of honor dress.” Speaking of which, she needed to go get fitted for her gown, which she’d refused to let Elisa pay for, despite being unsure how she was going to herself. Maybe the insurance money would hit before the fitting?—
“Oh, that’s right. Well, I’ve finally gotten away from that cane, and I’ve got to be snazzy. Can’t let Madame Paulette show me up.” Delia lifted her chin, her deep burgundy lipstick only slightly smeared today. No one could possibly show her up, though Lettie would try. “Nothing that requires Spanx. I’m eating that wedding cake comfortably, mind you.”
“As you should.” Zoey rubbed the woman’s hard-working, blue-veined hand. “You’ll look beautiful in whatever you wear. This whole town loves you.”
“You’re always so encouraging, dear.” Delia patted her hand back. “Thank you, but also, don’t flatter me. I need help.” She narrowed her eyes as she swung her gaze between them. “Now, which of you will do my makeup for the big day?”
