Freya's heart skipped a beat. Not telling Nico she was in town was even harder than keeping it secret from her brother. "You didn't make it obvious, did you? Shale might suspect I'm back."
"I don't think he even realizes you two know each other."
"He was there when Nico and I met."
Dakota hung another dress. "You know how guys are. Oh, this is gorgeous. You should wear it for the party."
"Are people dressing up?"
"We are." Dakota's eyes danced with excitement.
"Let me guess," Freya said. "You just decided that now."
She nodded and held up another dress. "Oh, you're going to let me borrow this one, right?"
"Um…" The two sisters had once been the same size, but Freya's size had dropped dramatically in the city. "Sure."
Dakota arched a brow and held it up to her. Then she glanced at the tag. "A zero slim?" She stared at Freya. "How much weight have you lost?"
Freya dug into the nearest suitcase and tried to think of a good reply. Nothing came. Dakota wouldn't understand.
"That's not healthy, Freya. Not with our height and build. And besides, curves are sexy."
"Tell that to the modeling industry."
"How much do you weigh?"
"Does it matter?" Freya moved more stuff around in the luggage.
"Yes."
"Don't you know it's rude to ask a woman her weight?"
"Sis," Dakota warned.
"What?"
"Don't play stupid."
Freya slammed down the top of the suitcase. "Fine. I've lost weight to keep my job. So what?"
Dakota's brows came together, but not in anger. Her face only showed concern. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. I swear."
She shook her head. "You and Shale are more alike than any two people I know."
"What does that mean?" Freya demanded.
"He's obviously hiding something—has been since he arrived. Apparently, so have you."
Freya sat on the bed. She wasn't going to rat out her twin any more than she was going to tell Dakota how extreme her weight loss had been. "Yes, I've lost more weight than is probably healthy, but I'm going to put it all back on."
Sadness covered Dakota's face. "I won't push it, but I'm here if you want to talk." She put the dress in the closet. "I'm going to find something wear. Think about where you want to have dinner."
Freya nodded. She felt bad for not saying more to Dakota, but there was no way her sister would get it. It was a completely different world here in Enchantment Bay.
She got up and put the rest of her clothes away. Soon, she would have to buy an all-new wardrobe. The outfit she was wearing was already a little snug just from a couple days of normal eating. The next thing would probably be discussing cramps with Dakota. That was a conversation Freya hadn't had in a long time. None of her friends ever discussed them, probably because none of them were menstruating, either.
Dakota popped her head in the room. "You ready?"
"Where are we going?"
"I've really been in the mood for Roosevelt's lately. What do you think?"
Freya glanced at the time. "It's too early for dinner. Are they open?"
"Yeah, and I think they have happy hour pricing before five. At least, they used to."
"Sounds good. I don't think I've eaten there since prom."
Dakota tilted her head. "Have you eaten anything since prom?"
Freya grabbed a dress, balled it up, and threw it at her sister's head.
"I'm going to tease you until you're back in a healthy three." Dakota tossed the dress back at Freya.
Freya laughed. Healthy three? Her friends would call that fat. Yet at a three, Dakota was a knockout. Hopefully, Freya could be comfortable in her own skin back at that size.
"Hurry up, before we miss happy hour."
"Then get out, so I can change."
"I'm going to call ahead just to be sure." Dakota went out into the hall, already sliding her finger across her phone's screen.
Freya dug through her clothes, trying to find something that would hide how skinny she was. Oh, the irony of that. She rubbed the bump on her forehead—a reminder of the price of being thin. She'd faked some side bangs just to hide it. So far, so good. Not even Dakota had noticed.
She found a loose top with long sleeves. She had to cover the marks left from the IV and the blood draws taken from the hospital. Luckily, spring was still chilly near the bay, so no one would think twice about her clothing choice.
After a quick glance in the mirror, Freya ran a brush through her hair and applied hairspray on her bangs to keep them in place. One never knew when a gust of wind might come by, and she wasn't taking any chances.
Once she was sure she was properly covered, she went downstairs. Dakota was sliding on her jacket. "Ready?"
"Yeah, I'm starving."
Dakota gave her a knowing glance. "That I believe."
Freya sighed and put on her coat. "You know what I mean."
"I think I do, Miss Zero-Slim."
"Did you get the reservations?" Freya slid on some ankle boots.
"Of course, and they said they had plenty of room. Maybe we'll even get a waiter all to ourselves. The last time I ate there, the one we had was…" She sighed. "Yummy."
"Now I see why you picked Roosevelt's."
Dakota shrugged. "The only guys I see at work are all engaged."
"As a wedding planner?" Freya asked in mock surprise. "Say it isn't so."
"I'm hiring another assistant and a fourth chef. Maybe one of them will be a handsome, single guy."
"Hire the first hot guy you see. You're the boss."
Dakota blew out air. "And that's half the problem. If he's a great worker, and it doesn't work out between us, I lose an employee."
"Looks like we need to find somewhere for you to hang out after hours."
They went outside and Dakota locked the door. "What are you thinking?"
"The station?"
"Not a cop. They have an infinitely higher divorce rate." She covered her mouth. "No offense."
Freya laughed as she got into the car. "None taken. I'm hardly thinking marriage."
"Now that you're back home, you never know what will happen."
What was it with everyone putting these ideas in her head? She already went weak in the knees just thinking about him. The last thing she needed was the help of her sister and Jules insinuating more. "Let's just focus on dinner. Then I'm going to sleep for a day and a half."
"No, you won't." Dakota pulled out of the driveway.
"What does that mean?"
"That I'm going to wake you and stuff your face every few hours."
"I'll eat, I promise."
"You'd better. We're donating all those clothes ASAP."
"Donate?" Freya exclaimed. "No way. I can sell those—they're all designer."
"Who's going to fit into them? Eleven year olds?"
"Leave me alone, Dakota."
She sighed. "Sorry. I just care about you."
"Then stop picking on me."
"What kind of music do you want at your party?"
"Don't you mean Shale's?" Freya asked.
"It's for both of you. He just doesn't know it yet."
"Anything's fine."
"Top twenty? Songs that were popular when you guys were in high school?"
Freya groaned. "Don't remind me of high school."
"It might be good for both of you. Get you guys back to your roots."
"We're home, with our parents and older siblings telling us what to do. What could be more rootsy than that?"
Dakota laughed. They discussed the party until they reached the restaurant. It would be at Dakota's house, making it easy for Freya to hide out until everyone was there. Then after Dakota was to give a toast to Shale, Freya would come downstairs and agree. Dakota would then announce both twins were home for good, and everyone would celebrate.
She was convinced that Nico would be so ha
ppy he would swing Freya around and then plant the perfect kiss on her.
Freya couldn't deny she loved the idea. It took her breath away, in fact.
They got out of the car and Dakota handed a key to the valet driver. They went inside and were ushered to the back of the restaurant.
Dakota leaned over and whispered in Freya's ear. "I wanted to make sure no one would see you."
"There's hardly anyone here." Just a few people who looked like they were there on business and then a fake-blonde with hardly any clothes sitting by herself, sipping a martini and texting at the same time. "I thought this place was classy."
"Obviously, whoever she's with has money."
"Have you seen her before?" Freya asked. "She looks like she belongs in a raunchy nightclub."
"Maybe she's lost." They followed the greeter into another room and took a seat in the back corner of the empty room.
"This should give you all the privacy you need," he said. "Your waiter tonight will be Renaldo. He'll be out shortly."
"Thank you." Dakota turned to Freya. "Renaldo? Sounds promising."
"Best of luck." Freya held up the empty wine glass in front of her.
Dakota raised hers and they tapped them together. "To Renaldo. I could say that all day long and never tire of it."
"It does have a nice ring to it. Not quite Nico Valentin, but it's nice."
"They're both exquisite."
A man about five foot five with graying hair came over to them. "Welcome to Roosevelt's. I'm Renaldo, and I'll be your server."
"Hello, Renaldo," Freya purred. She fluffed out her hair and smiled sweetly.
Dakota kicked her under the table.
After Renaldo left for their drinks and appetizer, Freya turned to Dakota. "Looks like we're back to square one."
"I don't suppose you know any models?"
"Not around here. Speaking of that, I'm going to have to find an agent if I'm going to find any work."
Dakota's eyes lit up. "That's it!"
Freya glanced around. "What is?"
"Oh, it's perfect." Dakota squirmed in her seat, grinning like a kid at Christmas.
"What?" Freya exclaimed.
"You know how I remodeled The Chateau?"
Freya nodded. Dakota had called her every day, explaining all the upgrades to her place of business during the remodel.
"Well, we're revamping the website and designing new brochures."
"I don't know anything about that stuff," Freya said. "I can barely send an email, much less design a website."
"No! We're taking pictures of everything. What's better than a gorgeous, happy bride in each photo?"
"Wait, me?" Freya asked.
"Who else? Of course I'll pay you. Oh, this is perfect."
"Wouldn't you rather an actual bride?"
"Not a chance. Dealing with them for their wedding pictures is bad enough. You know how photo shoots go. Please say yes." Dakota begged Freya with her eyes. "I'll owe you. Anything you want. No one will be able to resist with your smiling face."
"You don't have to butter me up."
"I'm not—I swear."
"Why not you?" Freya asked.
"Not a chance. I need to keep my distance, being the owner."
Freya shrugged. "Sure. It might be fun."
Dakota danced in her seat. "Fun? It's going to be a blast! I get to work with my sister."
"When you put it that way, it does sound awesome."
Renaldo brought their appetizers and drinks, then took their order. Freya and Dakota chatted excitedly about the party and Freya's new job. Freya barely noticed how much she ate, but she did feel good. Not only was she excited about the party and working with her sister, but her stomach felt amazing full of actual food.
As they walked through the restaurant, Freya felt like she was walking on air. Everything was moving in the right direction. She was excited to see it all play out.
When they reached the middle of the next room, Freya froze in place. Sitting at the same table with the hardly-dressed blonde sat Nico. She stared at him, trying to process the sight. At first, she tried to convince herself it wasn't him. Someone who looked like him.
Exactly like him.
Dakota stopped and turned around. "Freya, come on."
Nico looked up at the mention of her name. He made eye contact with her, and his eyes grew as wide as saucers. "Freya."
Freya grabbed Dakota's arm. Her eyes stung. "Let's go. Now."
Fifteen
Nico sprang from his chair, nearly knocking it over. "Freya!"
She was already gone.
"Let her go," Morgan snapped.
He ran after her, anyway.
Morgan grabbed his arm, nearly ripping it from the socket. "You're on a date with me."
He glared at her. "Date? This is no date, you lunatic. I shouldn't have even come here with you."
Morgan's mouth curled up. "Then why did you? Part of you wanted to be with me."
Nico's brows came together. "Get this through your head. No part of me wants anything to do with you. I only brought you here to keep you away from my coworkers." He went back to the table, grabbed his jacket from the chair, and slid it on. "You can find your own way to the airport."
Her mouth dropped. "You wouldn't. You can't. My stuff is in your car."
"I'll mail it to you." He stormed to the lobby.
Morgan rose from her seat. "Dine and dash! He's trying to dine and dash!"
Nico froze. Anger pulsated through him.
Two enormous men in suits came over to him and glared at him.
"Are you really trying to leave without paying?" asked the larger of the two.
"Of course not," he snapped. "She's nuts. Just look at her."
They glanced over at Morgan. She waved at them. "He's just mad because I'm not ready to have his babies."
Nico's mouth fell to the floor.
The bouncers turned to him.
"She's certifiable. I'm a police Sergeant. Do you really think I would get involved with her?"
They stared at him.
"Forget it." He pulled out his wallet and handed the shorter one his credit card. "I would never dine and dash. I was trying to talk to the customer that just left."
"Sit," the taller one ordered.
Nico grumbled and glared at Morgan. Her expression was haughty as she sat back down.
"Did you catch the part about me being an officer of the law?" Nico snapped.
"You're supposed to uphold the law, not break it." The bouncer with his card glared at him and walked away.
"I'll stay here while he runs your card, officer," the other one said, moving closer.
"Sergeant," Nico corrected. He glared at Morgan.
She flipped back her hair and took a bite of the turtle pie on her plate.
Nico had to explain the situation to Freya, but would she even hear him out? He'd been sitting at the nicest restaurant in town with Morgan, who looked like prostitute—at least by Enchantment Bay standards. It couldn't have looked much worse than that.
The other guy came back with his card and a receipt for Nico to sign. He snatched them and signed it as quickly as he could. The two men left without a word.
Nico glared at Morgan. "I can't believe you did that to me."
She popped another piece of dessert into her mouth and shrugged. "I couldn't let you leave."
His eyes nearly bulged out of his head. "Well, you'd better get used to it."
Morgan stared into his eyes. "My unwillingness to move here is what broke us up. That's not a problem anymore."
"We broke up two years ago, Morgan. Or did you forget? And I've moved on. We. Are. Over. Goodbye." He rose. "Don't ever contact me again or I'll file a restraining order against you."
Color drained from her face. "What?"
"You heard me. Give me a reason to arrest you, and I will. I suggest you go back to New York where you're happiest."
Her mouth dropped. "You don't mean that."
> "Try me." He spun around and left, not making eye contact with anyone. He'd never been so humiliated in all his life. Clicking of heels sounded behind him. He didn't hold in a groan.
Nico gave his receipt to the valet service and waited for his car. He ignored Morgan, who now stood next to him.
They both climbed into the car when it arrived.
"Hotel or airport?" Nico asked and started the engine.
"I didn't book a hotel. I was going to—"
"Airport it is."
"No, wait."
He turned onto the road. "Don't tell me you didn't book a flight back."
"Well—"
"That's actually good news. You won't have to reschedule. Just book the next one out."
"Nico, hear me out. I—"
"Do you have any idea why I'm so calm, Morgan?"
She didn't say anything.
"I'm so furious, I've passed the point of acting out. I should want to choke you, do you know that?"
Morgan gasped.
"After what you did, I should want to do a lot of things—and none of them is pleasant. But I just want to drop you off and never see you again. Do you understand?"
"Nico, I—"
"I asked if you understand." He turned off the road, causing the tires to squeal. After parking against the curb, he turned and glared at her. "Answer me. I need to hear it."
She nodded.
"Say it."
"Okay."
"Tell me you understand. That you'll leave me alone after this."
"I get it. I'll leave you alone."
His nostrils flared. "Good. Now, do you want me to take you to a hotel or the airport?"
"I'm too tired for another flight."
"Great. I'll take you to the Motel Two down the road. That's the last we'll ever see each other."
"Can't I—?"
"No contact." He pulled back onto the road with enough force that her head jerked back.
"But Nico." Her voice wavered.
"Don't try gaining my sympathy. You've been here for all of two hours and have already managed to destroy my entire life."
"What? How?"
"No one at work is going to respect me after that show you put on back there. It's going to take a lot of work for me earn that back. And then the one girl that I actually do care about—she saw me with you. And thanks to you, I couldn't even explain myself to her."
Bayside Wishes Page 10
