As it turns out, Liv actually was planning on asking me if I wanted to go down to Spring Lake for the Fourth. So, even though I didn't know it at the time, it worked out that I was telling the truth after all! It's great, because now I don't have to feel guilty about lying to Charlie. Am I lucky or what?

So, now here I am, trying to find a comfortable position crammed in the backseat of Liv's jeep. There's not much room for me back here amidst all the luggage, but as a third wheel, I'm not going to complain.

Truth is, despite the fact that I'm wedged against this cooler and my foot is falling asleep, I couldn't be happier.

I'm going to be under the same roof—for two whole days and nights—with Tommy!

Jack pulls the jeep into their friend Monty's driveway, parking it in front of the sprawling Victorian mansion. I've been here a few times before, but this is more the scene of Those Girls, so I don't bother coming down unless there's a blowout party.

Or, as in the case of this visit, when I have an ex-boyfriend to bump into.

I haven't even asked Livia when Tommy is coming down. She's still a little miffed at how I tracked him down at The Westlake last week. But I have my fingers crossed that he's already here.

We say hello to our host, who promptly offers us a cocktail. As we head toward the back of the house, my stomach is in knots, anticipating that I'm only seconds from seeing Tom.

But when we reach the kitchen, the only person in it is Monty's "husband," Walter. I swing a desperate eye toward the family room, but Tom's not there, either. I get a drink from my host and try not to look too deflated as I take a sip and concentrate on the conversation. Of course the topic is The Wedding. Lucky me.

Walter is gushing on and on about the menu. He owns a catering business and I guess he'll be doing the food for them. "Livia, my darling bride-to-be, I have amazing news." He looks about ready to bust a seam with excitement. "Get this. Are you ready? I actually booked Simon Germaine to do your cake! Can you believe it?"

Livia bites her lip. "Um, you're probably going to kill me, but... Who's Simon Germaine?"

She's kidding, right?

Walter can't believe it either. "'Who's Simon Germaine' she asks! My God, Monty, what kind of bride am I dealing with here? Simon Germaine is nothing short of fabulous. He is, by far, the best wedding cake sculptor in the city. Haven't you been reading your bridal magazines? There isn't a bride alive who wouldn't give up her tiara just to have Simon Germaine spit on her wedding cake."

"Ewwww."

"Livia, trust me, it is an honor to have this man's signature on your wedding. People will be talking about your cake the rest of their lives."

Livia shoots a quick look at Jack and counters apprehensively, "Walter... we appreciate it and all, but this guy sounds... expensive. I don't know if we can even afford him."

I cannot even imagine saying something like that out loud. And really. I can't believe she's balking at the cost, of all things. I mean, this is Simon Germaine, for godsakes! I'm tempted to jump in and book him myself, and then just plan an entire wedding—and a prospective groom—around his schedule!

Walter and Monty exchange a collaborative look. Monty takes Walter's hand and says, "Livi Girl, Walter and I were hoping that you'd let us pick up the tab."

Livia shakes her head. "No way. We can't let you do that. It wouldn't—"

Monty cuts her off. "Livia, Jack... Walter has dreamed of having an excuse to work with Simon Germaine. Truth is, it's a great networking move. Plus, we love you both and we really want to do this. Please let us."

Jack cuts in, saying something about Entenmann's, much to the horror of Monty and Walter. I don't catch much of the exchange, because at this point, I'm focused only on the front door, willing it to open.

And just like that, it does! My heart skips a beat... and then stops dead. Walking through the front door is none other than Tess and her husband Ronnie, followed by Samantha and Isla, and then Vix and Chris.

Fun.

* * *

I spend an hour with a fake smile plastered on my face, just dying inside because I'm stuck down here with these people. The only thing that keeps me from going upstairs to bed is the thought that Tommy will be here any minute. Even worse is the fact that I'm presently cornered by Livia's sister Vix.

"Shana, I was going to call you today, but I knew that I was going to see you tonight, so I figured I'd talk to you here."

"Oh?" Why the hell would Victoria Chadwick ever need to call me?

Oh, wait. Ah, yes. Of course.

"We picked out the bridesmaid gowns and I wanted to let you know that you'll need to get over to Jessica McClintock in The Plaza to get measured. As soon as possible."

I tear my eyes from the front door. I'd been reduced to utilizing Jedi mind tricks on it, hoping that Tommy would walk through at any moment through sheer force of resolve. "What? Oh, okay. Do I need an appointment or anything?"

Vix swings a look toward the door, probably trying to figure out what I find so fascinating about the damn thing. She looks back at me and stammers, "Uh, no. No appointment. Just show up whenever and they'll take care of you. We can't order the gowns until everyone's been measured, so just get there as soon as you can so we can put the order in. Delivery will take a few months and we'll still need time for fittings."

I'm still burning a hole through the front door with my eyes as Vix scans the room before continuing in a whisper, "Okay, and also, I wanted to talk to you about getting the bridesmaids together for a planning meeting."

Huh? "A what?"

"A planning meeting." When I look at her puzzled, she clarifies, "You know, a meeting to plan Livia's bridal shower."

Oh. "Oh, sure, of course." Duh.

"We don't need to jump on it right away, so I'll call you in a couple months or whatever. I just wanted to give you a heads up."

"Oh. Okay."

I check the clock on the wall and realize it's getting pretty late. I'm guessing Tommy isn't planning on showing his face until tomorrow. Crap. May as well hit the sack.

I mosey on over to Livia, who is busy giggling at some witty thing Mr. Perfect must have said. I lower my voice to a whisper. "I think I'm going up to bed."

Liv tips her head to the side. "Yeah? You're tired?"

"Uh huh."

"Okay. Well, we're probably just going to hang at the beach tomorrow and then go out for dinner or something. Sound like a plan?"

"Sure. That sounds good."

I take a peek at Jack and Ron and pull Livia away out of earshot before asking in a whisper, "When is Tommy coming down?"

Livia gives me a staggered look. "Uh... He's not."

"What?"

Now she's trying to mask the impatience in her voice. "Shane, Tommy's not going to be here at all this week. He's spending the holiday at a house he rented in Point Pleasant with some friends."

"Are you kidding?"

"No, I'm not. Why do you care?"

"Are you kidding?"

Livia lets out with a long sigh. "Shane... you've really got to stop this. What, did you only come down here because you thought you'd have a chance to see Tommy?"

Yes.

"No."

"Well then fine. Let's just have a good time then, okay?"

I am absolutely seething inside. I cannot believe I'm going to be spending the next two days down here with these people without even the slightest glimmer of hope that I'll see Tom. Why did I even bother? I'll bet Livia only invited me because she knew Tommy wasn't going to be here. How calculating.

"Yeah, fine. Whatever. I'm going to bed."

I go out to the jeep and grab my bag before storming upstairs into one of the guest rooms. I use the bathroom across the hall to wash up, practically scrubbing my skin clear off in my anger. I stomp into the bedroom and hurl myself into the covers. I could just scream right now, but I refuse to throw a full-on temper tantrum. I'm feeling duped and disappointed and frustrated.

And what sucks most is... there's nothing I can even do about it.

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