“I did pop in there and check on her. She was crazy busy, even the patio was full of people either waiting for tables, or having a break and a drink.”
“There is already talk about making Summerfest an annual event.” Bella threw out her arm. “Just look at all these people. I’m so pleased.”
“You two should be proud of yourselves.”
“Well, I’ve got to head back to my shop. It’s insanely busy there. I’m trying to pop in there and still come out here and check on festival things. It’s been a crazy weekend.” Bella turned to Katherine. “You headed back to the cafe?”
“I am.”
The two women headed down the pathway out of the park and back onto Main Street. Hunt wandered around a bit, saying hi to people he knew, feeling a bit lost, like he didn’t quite belong.
“Well, hi there, Hunt.”
He’d recognize that voice anywhere. He slowly turned around. “Camille.”
“Look at all the people. Who knew this many people would want to come to Comfort Crossing.” Camille shrugged her shoulders. “I missed you at Mama’s barbecue.”
“That you did. I was at the grand opening of the Magnolia Cafe’s patio.”
“Oh, was that the same night?”
“Nice try, Camille. I’m sure you knew exactly what you were doing.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Sure you do. You’ve had it out for Keely since… well, since as long as I can remember.”
“Oh, you exaggerate. I hardly keep up with what’s going on in her life.”
“And yet, you did.”
“Seriously, Hunt. I don’t know how you can accuse me of something like that. Her life just doesn’t even interest me.”
He could see the lie, clearly spread across her face. “So what is it about Keely that gets to you, anyway?”
Camille looked away for a moment, then turned back towards him. “She gets everything. Always has.”
“What in the world are you talking about? Her father died, she had to take over running the family business, and her sister was in a terrible accident. How is that getting everything?”
“She got you. For her best friend in high school. You didn’t have the time of day for me.”
Hunt stood there with his mouth open, looking like a fool.
“You and Keely and Kevin. Always hanging out. Going places together.”
“All this is about that? You’ve carried a grudge all these years?”
“I asked you out. More than once. You never would go with me.”
“Camille, I don’t remember you asking me to do anything. I don’t. I’m sorry if I hurt your feelings way back then. But, be serious. I wasn’t your type. I’m still not. You’re the Delbert Hamilton of Hamilton hotels type. Fancy dresser. Likes to go out for expensive dinners. Drink pricey wine.”
“You could be my type.”
“I’m not going to change, Camille. Not for you. Not for anyone.” Hunt looked at Camille in astonishment. “Look, I’m sorry. I am. But that barbecue was just mean spirited of you. It affected Keely and Katherine’s livelihood, it wasn’t just some game to them.”
“I can have a barbecue whenever I want.”
“That’s the problem, Camille, you don’t think about others. You just do what you want.”
Camille bristled then. “Well, Hunt Robichaux, I couldn’t care less about your opinion.”
Just then Delbert of the Hamilton hotels walked up. “There you are, darling. I’ve been looking for you.”
“Hi, honey. I’m getting tired of all the… people. What do you say we head back to Mobile?”
“That’s sounds fine by me.”
Camille shot Hunt one more glare and turned and walked away with Delbert. Hunt looked down at the now melted ice cream cone and tossed it in the trash.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Bella sat with Jenny and Becky Lee at the Magnolia Cafe. They’d just finished up three slices of pie and coffee. She stabbed at the weather app on her phone, hoping it would cough up a different weather forecast. No such luck. “Jenny, I think we’re going to have to plan on moving the wedding inside. I really wanted it outside at my home. It was going to be perfect, so pretty. The hurricane has wreaked quite a bit of havoc, even though it was downgraded to just a tropical storm. There’s still a seventy percent chance of rain the day after tomorrow. The storms we’re getting now are going to continue. I think I need to at least look at my backup plan. We can decide for sure tomorrow.” Disappointment surged through Bella. She’d pictured this perfect wedding for Jenny. Outside. The arbor all decorated. A handful of family and friends. Flowers. Green bows tied on the chairs to match the color of the wedding.