“You’re not wrong,” I murmur.
“You need me to fly down there and get you straight? I can go get you clothes and make a weekend of it,” he offers.
The thought of having my bestie here makes my chest tighten. We would have such a blast trying new restaurants, sunbathing, and, of course, sipping cocktails served up by the cutest bartender in Coconut Bay.
“It’s not a bad idea, Wilby. I’ve put on a little weight, so I’m notsure what I have in my closet will still fit me. I could use some new stuff. I’ve gone up a size...or two.”
Bitterness creeps up inside me. I was a ghost, drifting through the motions, allowing my mother to control my food intake. Now that I have some weight on me and a sunkissed glow, I can admit I look a million times better than I did the day of my wedding which was supposed to be the most beautiful version of me.
“As you needed to,” he says, frowning. “I told you that the wedding diet was bullshit. You’re stunning, and you need to be healthy.”
Wilby always sets me straight. I knew talking to him would make me happy.
“I’ll come,” he says. “Send me your measurements, and I’ll bring you some things. What’s your vibe right now? Looks like you’re leaning towards beachy boho?”
I just proudly showed him all of the clothes that Summer and I picked out. He hummed in approval, so there’s that.
“Yeah.”
He nods his head. “I gotchu.”
I love Wilby.
“I’m so excited you’re coming!” I say with a grin. “Birdie will be so happy to see you, too. How soon can you get here?”
I see the reflection of the computer screen in his glasses. “I’m looking at flights now.”
I pull out a bright green bikini top and freeze. “Oh. I forgot I’d put these in my bag for my honeymoon.”
Wilby’s eyes narrow. “Why are you making that face? Let me see it.”
“Because this feels like a version of me I was with Tyler.”
He leans closer to the camera. “That is literally the point of a summer reinvention. You are finding out who you are without Tyler the Turd.”
I told him what Birdie called him, and it’s kind of stuck with everyone now.
I hold it up. “Is this too much for surfing?”
“For Coconut Beach,” he says, “it’s perfect. Wear it until I can bring you some more swimsuits that will make your hot bartender swoon.”
I laugh and toss it onto the bed. “I don’t think I’m ready to be morethan his friend,” I lie. “I have got to figure out how to save this company. And that is what I need you to come and strategize with me, Wilby.”
“We totally have this. Now, for flights,” Wilby says, tapping on his keyboard. “I can be there tomorrow. Tonight, I have to go shopping.” He playfully rolls his eyes.
“You know there are stores here, too,” I say with a chuckle.
“Yeah, but I’ll need to bring some reinforcements just in case. Plus, you’re rich. You can let me shop for you. You know I live for this stuff.”
“I appreciate you. Buy yourself some beach attire with my card, too,” I tell him. I know he won’t go crazy, but he works hard for me, and I want him to have a fun little trip away. He’s been bored in the office without me.
“Oh, I’ll get myself some linen shirts and trunks. Gotta check out the pretty ladies in Coconut Beach and have to look hot myself.” He smirks. “Oh, and I booked my flight first class. You owe me for having to deal with Tyler the day of your wedding.”
I’m not sure what all that entails, but I’m sure he’s going to tell me all about it.
I grimace. “Yeah, sorry about that.”
“He looked like a lost puppy. A stupid lost puppy. Then he left with your harlot of a sister.”
