blended romance and fun. Her sister had definitely gone all out with her budget, but Amyâs defense had been that she only planned on marrying once so she was going big.
âThe fresh pineapple is heaven,â her mother commented. âYou have to get a plate of food. Those kabobs with glazed chicken... I have no clue what the chef did, but I need that recipe.â
Jenna half listened as her mother discussed the varieties of food available. She really wasnât in the mood to eat, wasnât in the mood to party. Sheâd been hoping that once she got here she would perk up, but all she kept seeing was Macâs face as heâd walked out of the bungalow. Sheâd hurt him. Knowing she even had that ability was crippling because she loved him. Loved the friend he always was, and was starting to love the man.
The shaky ground she walked on could crumble at any moment and where would that leave her? Falling face-first into a sea of humiliation and heartache.
âIâm actually not that hungry,â she told her mother as she took a step back. âIf youâll excuse me a minute, I want to find Amy and ask about the arrangements.â
âOf course, dear. She was talking with Nathan and the caterer right before you got here, but I donât see her now.â
Jenna patted her motherâs arm. âIâll find her. Go dance and have fun. You look beautiful tonight.â
Maryâs smile widened. âYouâre sweet. Please, donât feel you have to stay all evening. If Mac isnât feeling well, go back to him.â
Go back to him. If he were actually hers, she never would have left his side.
âHeâll be fine,â Jenna assured her mom as she turned and headed in the other direction. At least sheâd told her mom the truth. Mac would be fine. He was always fine.
But Jenna wondered where heâd gone. When he left he hadnât taken his stuff, but she hadnât seen him for several hours. Maybe he was waiting until she was gone to come get his things? She had no idea, but as soon as she got back, she was going to text him. Sheâd tried a few minutes ago and he hadnât responded yet. She couldnât handle this tension, the conflict sheâd single-handedly placed between them.
Jenna smiled and said her hellos as she passed by the familiar faces from the wedding party. Amyâs best friend from college, her best friend from grade school and her husband. Everyone was here for a good time and Jenna wasnât about to put a damper on her sisterâs big moment. The pity party could come later, when Jenna was back in her bungalow alone with the pint of ice cream sheâd requested from the kitchen.
Jenna didnât care if sobbing into ice cream made her a cliché. Sheâd made her best friend pretend to be her lover and it had gone horribly wrong, so bring on the clichés and bring on the spoon because she was ready to dive into that container of Rocky Road.
âYou look stunning tonight.â
Jenna jerked around to see Martin standing way too close for her comfort. How had he sneaked up on her? Oh, yeah, sheâd been busy plotting her evening of gluttony.
She resisted the urge to adjust her halter-style dress. âIâm looking for Amy.â
Just as she turned to leave, Martin grabbed her arm. He didnât squeeze or use force, but she didnât want his hands on her.
Her eyes dropped to where he held her, then up to meet his gaze. âLet go.â
âI just want a minute to talk now that your goon isnât around.â He let his hand fall back to his side. âCan you give me two minutes?â
Jenna let out a laugh as she squared her shoulders and crossed her arms. âTwo minutes? You think that will be enough time to undo the damage? Because I could give you two months to grovel and I still wouldnât forgive you or take you back.â
Martin shook his head as he ran a hand