The Silence (Columbia River #2)(20)

“Cheryl?”

“Kitchen.”

Cheryl’s home always gave Ava the feeling that she’d walked into an eclectic art studio. Bright colors popped everywhere, and it worked perfectly, creating a lush and opulent atmosphere. If Ava had tried to decorate with colors like that, the result would resemble a toddler’s playroom.

Ava never dreamed she’d use a wedding planner. How hard could it be to make some reservations and choices? Now she was thankful she’d allowed her neighbor to talk her into using her services. Ava didn’t have time to think about details; she was too busy with work. Hiring someone to think for her had been one of her best decisions ever.

She found Cheryl in the kitchen, pouring something over a glass of ice. The odor of fresh espresso hit Ava and she sighed.

“This one is yours.” Cheryl shoved the drink into Ava’s hand.

“I can’t. I have to drive to work.”

The tall blonde rolled her eyes. “There’s no alcohol in it.”

“That’s a first.” Ava took a sip. A perfect iced vanilla latte. “This is fantastic. Thank you.”

Popping a pod into an espresso machine, Cheryl met her gaze. “That’s better. You looked like you wanted to kill someone when you first walked in.” She hit a button, and the tiny machine made a huge noise and espresso immediately streamed into a cup.

Ava waited until it quieted. “I did want to kill someone. My twin.” She gave Cheryl a rundown of her phone call from the winery and Brady’s report on Jayne.

Cheryl’s jaw hung open as she mixed her own iced latte. “Holy cow, girl. Are you sure you’re related to her?”

“Positive,” Ava said dryly.

“Good thing Erin thought to give you a call.”

“That’s just it. What if other vendors haven’t called to confirm something was canceled?”

Cheryl’s eyes widened. “Shit.”

“Exactly.”

“But how would she know the details? I assume you mentioned the venue to her at one point, but would you have told her who is doing the flowers or photos?”

“No, but it doesn’t matter. She’s very resourceful. If she put half the energy into bettering herself that she put into causing trouble, she’d be a CEO of a Fortune 500 company by now.”

Setting down her latte, Cheryl grabbed the iPad on the counter and started typing. “I’ll call and confirm everyone, no matter how small their involvement is. Thank God you already picked up your dress. It took months for that order.” Cheryl shuddered. “You’d have to pick something off the rack.”

Ava was positive that wouldn’t have been the end of the world. “Everything is replaceable except that winery view. I know there are other locations, but anything as fabulous will have been reserved months ago.”

“Tell me about it.” Cheryl glanced up. “Did I tell you about the young bride who wanted me to arrange a reception at the Portland Art Museum in three weeks?” She snorted. “I’m not a miracle worker.”

“I’ve found you to be a miracle worker a few times. My dress, for example.”

“You’re my first bride who custom-dyed a wedding dress in teal. If the designer found out what you did, she would have a heart attack.”

“It’s not teal.”

“Whatever you call it, it’s definitely a unique color.” She gave Ava a side-eye. “And your choice of dress completely surprised me. It wasn’t what I expected.”

“I loved it.” She’d stored the dress at Cheryl’s house, not wanting Mason to accidentally find it.

“I did too.” Cheryl sighed. “Okay. I have a dozen calls to make. I’ll request they contact us about any cancellations made over the phone.”

Ava grimaced. “They should call you to confirm even if I show up in person to make a change.”

“Noooo! She wouldn’t impersonate you!”

“She would.”

Cheryl swore. “I’m sorry you have to put up with that.”

“It’s my reality. Nothing new. I’m relieved her long silence is over. I’ve been walking on eggshells waiting to see what would happen next and constantly looking over my shoulder.”

“You can’t win. Either she’s acting out or you’re waiting for her to act out.”

The perfect description of Ava’s life.

“Did you talk to Jill about being your attendant?” Cheryl asked, still tapping on her tablet.

“Not yet.” Will Ray make it to be Mason’s best man? “I don’t think I should ask her after what happened to Ray.”

Ava’s stomach churned, and her wedding plans suddenly seemed petty and frivolous.

“Who were your other choices? That FBI agent in Bend, right? Or the hunky reporter’s wife? You need to line up someone quickly. They should know since it’s only a few weeks away.”

“I know.”

Cheryl set down her iPad, her gaze scrutinizing Ava.

She sees too much. Ava took a drink of her latte, pretending she hadn’t noticed.

“It’s your twin, isn’t it?” Cheryl said softly, placing a hand on Ava’s arm. “Some part of you is hoping she’ll be in your wedding.”