In Your Dreams (Blue Heron #4)(49)

Naomi Norman, Kevin’s trainer and soon-to-be wife, chimes in. “The people we surround ourselves with make a huge difference in our lives,” she says, laying her hand on Kevin’s now-sculpted arm. “I believe in Kevin and support all his dreams and goals. He’s the most remarkable person I’ve ever met.”

Gack.

Also, ouch. And now, everyone was poring over their magazines, dazzled with Kevin’s weight loss. Maybe tomorrow, rather than just walk out to the altar, New Kevin would burst through a picture of Old Kevin, like they did on The Biggest Loser.

Though there weren’t as many friends from college as Em had expected, a few people knew who she was, and looks were shot her way. At least the Russians didn’t appear to care; they were looking at pictures of whatever red-carpet event had been covered in the same issue.

My kingdom for a really strong martini, Em thought. She smiled at the Russians, then checked her phone. Angela had just texted her. This is the tackiest wedding I’ve ever been to. I plan to burn my magazine in a dramatic pyre and eat ice cream as I do.

Em looked over at her sister and smiled.

Faith had also texted her, asking how things were going. So had Shelayne and Allison. Shelayne had sent a picture of Sarge sleeping on her bed (under the covers), and Em smiled. It would be so, so good to get back home.

Jack still wasn’t here. She’d go check on him. A great excuse to leave.

Just then, the DJ tapped his mike. “Ladies and gentlemen, please give it up for Naomi and Kevin in their last dance as single people!” The jolly beat of a familiar song came over the speakers. Bruno Mars, of course. “I Think I Wanna Marry You.”

How adorable.

There were shrieks and screams and giggles, and then, yes, the choreographed dance.

Kevin always had been a good dancer.

“Mind if I sit here?” a woman asked. She was about Em’s age. “I’m Trisha.”

“Emmaline. Have a seat.”

“I just needed to take a break from dancing. Feeling a little light-headed.”

“You’re probably hungry.”

Trisha laughed. “Yeah, the food here isn’t exactly filling. But I could lose a few pounds anyway. How do you know the bride and groom?”

“I went to college with Kevin.” Definitely the safest answer.

“Oh, yeah? I work with him now. I had a huge crush on him. Can’t blame me, right? The guy is gorgeous.”

“That he is.” How very well adjusted Emmaline was! She’d have to give herself a sticker. Perhaps a run to a package store was also in order.

Trisha settled back and watched the dancing. “Guess what I heard?”

“What’s that?”

“Kevin’s old fiancée is here. She’s stalking him. I guess she can’t get over him and did all this hateful stuff.”

“Really. Like what?”

“Said all these vicious things to Naomi. Tried to sabotage Kevin’s weight loss.” She pointed to the nearest People. “It’s right in there. Sad that she was so threatened. Hey, you must’ve known him when he was heavier, right? Isn’t his transformation amazing?”

“It is. I’m the fiancée, by the way.”

It was kinda fun watching Trisha’s face rearrange itself.

“And I was invited. No stalking necessary, though I do have a dead squirrel in my suitcase for tomorrow.” Em smiled sweetly. “Want to come back to my room and see it? It’s pretty.”

Trisha fled.

“Having fun, Pooh Bear?”

“Jack! How are you?”

“Fine. Why didn’t you wake me up?”

“I knocked. Figured you were sleeping.”

“Well, you should’ve knocked harder. I’m here for a reason, after all.” He scowled, and his blue, blue eyes were troubled.

Bet that nap hadn’t been exactly peaceful.

“Have you talked to Levi, by any chance?” he asked.

“Yeah, I checked in a couple hours ago.”

Jack looked at the dancing couples. “Did he happen to mention Josh Deiner?”

Em’s heart squeezed. “Actually, yes. He said Josh is...hanging in there.” She was paraphrasing. “No change” was what Levi had said.

Something flickered through Jack’s eyes. “Any improvement?” he said, and there was so much packed into those two words.

It would’ve been so easy to say something hopeful and vague, like some positive signs or no reason not to be hopeful. But she couldn’t lie.

“No. But no decline, either.”

Whatever had just flickered went out.

Her parents emerged from the crowd. “Emmaline,” Mom said. “Are you feeling all right? I heard there was a fight in the pool. Should you be doing that, in your condition?”

“There was no fighting,” she answered, suppressing a sigh. “And there’s no condition.”

“Jack!” Dad boomed. “Very glad you’re here! Shall we discuss future plans, son?” Now that Dad thought she was straight, he was moving right into doting father-in-law.

“We were just about to take a walk, guys,” Emmaline said. “We’ll catch up with you tomorrow, okay?”

“That sounds very wise,” Mom said. “It can’t be easy for you, seeing Kevin moving on.”