Dilynne rolls her eyes. “Yes, and lucky for him, the bitch cheated on him with her boss and left him the day of the wedding.”
Confusion rests between my brows. “I’m sorry, but how is that lucky?”
Dilynne plants her hands on her hips. “Look, I know you’re new to town, but let me be clear—not all people in Blossom Peak are good humans, and Tori was one of the worst. Honestly, I still can’t believe that Elliot wanted to marry her, but I think he just fell under her spell.”
Is that what I’m doing with Rhonan? Am I so disillusioned by the idea of him that I’m missing the important things?
No, Vienna. Rhonan is a good man, a good father. He’s not Cole.
God, I just hate that my past has made me question my instincts.
“So yes, I know it sounds harsh, but in a way he’s lucky it ended that way. I would have hated to see what would have happened if they’d actually gone through with it. His heartbreak would have been exponentially worse than it already was.”
Sighing, I nod in agreement. “Yeah, you’re right. Especially because once you’re in a commitment like that, it’s not easy to leave.”
“Agreed. So, how’s it going still lusting after Rhonan Hart?” My eyes widen as Dilynne chuckles while I deal with the surprise in her change of topic. “Yup, I know about that too.”
“I guess he wasn’t kidding when he said his friend group loves to share everything about everyone’s lives.”
“Our group is a family, Vienna,” Dilynne declares, her tone clear, but not harsh. “We’ve known each other since childhood, and we’ve been through a lot of shit. So, yeah, we share everything because we look out for one another.”
My heart twists in my chest. The only person I ever felt that way with was Lydia.
“Then I guess I’m jealous of that. Good friends are hard to come by.”
Dilynne studies me. “You’re right about that, but that doesn’t mean we all don’t deserve them. And you know, we always have room for one more.”
“Dilynne?” A woman’s voice from the other side of the counter pulls both of our gazes to her. A petite Hispanic woman wearing a purple shirt and white apron with short, dark, curly hair has both of her hands planted on her hips and a smirk on her lips as she greets Dilynne.
Dilynne rubs her hands together. “Carolina, Carolina. Are you ready to make another cake for me?”
Carolina’s grin spreads, the hint of mischief building in her eyes. “You know it. What are you thinking this time, hun?”
“The usual, but we’re gonna add a few details that I think the bride and groom are gonna love.” Dilynne turns back to me, wrapping her arm around my shoulder and pulling me forward. “Have you met Vienna yet?”
“I have not.” Carolina wipes her hand on her apron before holding it out to shake mine. “Pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
“She’s Mrs. Allen’s substitute teacher for the rest of the year, and Rhonan’s new neighbor,” Dilynne explains, winking in Carolina’s direction.
Great. Now another person is gonna be suspicious of our relationship.
Rhonan said people are already probably talking, Vienna, so does it really matter?
“Oh, lucky you,” Carolina says. “How are you enjoying the view?”
I glance out the window, taking in the cherry blossom trees and the sun setting in the distance just between the crest of two mountains before directing my gaze back to her. “Oh, I love it here.”
Carolina chuckles. “Yes, Blossom Peak is beautiful, but I was referring to the view of your neighbor. Rhonan Hart is Grade A eyecandy around here. You’d be shocked at the number of conversations I overhear between women lusting after that man.”
Dilynne snaps her fingers. “He may be Laney’s older brother, but even I can admit that he’s a catch.”
“Exactly. I just wish he would open himself up again. It’s a shame what happened to Sarah, but a man like that doesn’t need to be alone forever,” Carolina adds.
That dull ache returns to my chest when I think of how heartbreaking it is that Rhonan and Ellis both have lived a life without her, but it’s quickly accompanied by jealousy at the thought of him with another woman that isn’t me.
Calm down, Vienna. No need to get territorial over a man who just wants to be your friend.
