Page 27 of The Four Engagement Rings of Sybil Rain

Is that why I didn’t correct him? Because on some level, it’s easier to live with the story that I’m just not built for commitment instead of admitting that I’d run back to Jamie, only for him to call things off?

And now, after my talk with Jamie at the tiki bar, the story has a whole new layer to it.

I’m still struggling to wrap my mind around the bittersweet reality—that Jamie hadn’t rejected me because I’d disappointed him, but had set me free because he’d thought that was what I really wanted.

It feels like we are finally starting to understand each other, and a part of me wants to throw caution to the wind, confess everything, and see if we can find a way forward.

But I can’t tell if that is just another wild Sybil instinct, destined to leave me hurt all over again.

It’s a tangled mess, and I’m not sure how to untangle it.

But I suppose I can start by untangling my hair.

The shower has filled the bathroom with steam, and I step inside the glass stall, letting the hot water wash away the remnants of sweat from this morning’s workout and hoping it takes my anxiety down the drain with it.

I toss my still-wet hair with the tiniest bit of mousse so it will airdry looking beachy and effortless, then throw on an emerald-green one-piece with a low back and a pair of white linen pants.

When I get to the lobby, I don’t see any sign of Seb, so I make my way over to the concierge desk where Ash is wrapping up with another guest.

“Good morning, Sybil,” she says once she’s free.

“Hi! I’m wondering where you recommend for breakfast.”

“Well, if you’re looking for full-service, the Lotus Café has a wonderful brunch menu. And we also offer a poolside buffet breakfast until eleven.”

“The buffet sounds great,” I tell Ash, then fire off a text to Seb, telling him to meet me there.

When I get to the pool deck, I forgo the mimosa bar, though it is tempting, and instead, fix myself an iced coffee with sugar and almond milk. There’s a tower of fresh fruit and a man making smoothies to order, so I get a green juice too.

I’m looking for an empty table when Dani waves me over to where she’s standing by the omelet station.

“Double fisting this morning?” She gestures at my two beverages.

“I couldn’t decide between the two.” I shrug. “You’re here early. Are you working brunch?”

Dani sighs. “No, I’m off today. Normally, Ash and I like to coordinate our days off, but—”

“Yeah.” I incline my head back toward the lobby. “I saw her at the front desk. So what’s your plan for the day? Besides lurking by the fresh eggs?”

“Probably read through this portfolio from a new winery the hotel is considering partnering with,” Dani says with another sigh.

“The Food and Beverage Director is trying to train me up to be his replacement when he retires, so he’s been looping me in on all the boring business aspects of the job.

” She rolls her eyes fondly. “Hopefully, we’ll at least get to do some taste testing.

Anyway, I’ll do that, and then I have to make a cake for Mason’s birthday tonight—you know Mason, right?

The snorkel instructor you completely bailed on.

” Dani arches an eyebrow at me and folds her arms.

“Shit, he told you about that?” I wince. “Not my finest moment. He didn’t get in trouble or anything, did he?”

Dani waves a hand. “Nah, it was fine. He brought your tote bag back to the front desk himself. Made for a good story. We like to trade our most ridiculous guest anecdotes, and you spontaneously jumping ship definitely won that night.”

“Well, happy I could help, I guess.”

“You should come by the party tonight,” Dani says.

“Are you sure?” I ask. “I wouldn’t want to crash…”

“Totally.” Dani nods. “Some of Mason’s other friends are coming, too, so it won’t just be staff.”

“Okay, that sounds great. Thanks for the invite.” We exchange numbers so Dani can text me the details.

“I’m so glad you’re going to come! I’m dying to hear about the hot guy who was making eyes at you last night. Working behind the bar, I’ve seen dudes try a lot of things to get a woman into bed, but a shot of ranch dressing ? That was a first.”

“Oh,” I blush. “Actually, that was my ex-fiancé. The one I told you about.”

“ Really . That’s the soulless asshole who brought his new girlfriend on his ex-fiancée’s honeymoon trip?”

“That’s the one.” I take a long drag from my iced coffee.

“ Damn …” Dani says.

“My thoughts exactly. Though in his defense I may have jumped the gun on the ‘new girlfriend’ thing. That said, there’s clearly some kind of vibe going on between him and his coworker.”

“It’s so weird,” Dani says, the tone of amazement still in her voice.

“What’s weird?” There are so many things weird about this situation that I can’t be sure which one she’s referring to.

“Well, he doesn’t look like evil incarnate. But I guess that sweet, lovesick-puppy thing I saw last night was just a mask to hide the horror within. I hate when that happens.”

I laugh. Her description of Jamie as a supervillain is so over-the-top. It feels good to be able to see the comical side of this situation instead of wallowing in all the mixed-up feelings that seeing Jamie again has brought up.

Dani glances down at her phone. “Ugh, okay, I have to go home and get started reviewing those docs. Don’t fall for any handsome devils while I’m gone.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“And hey, have fun horseback riding! Unless…” she says, drawing out the word with relish, “you’ve already got something—or rather, some one —else to ride?”

She looks pointedly over my shoulder, and I turn around to follow her gaze.

Seb is striding across the pool deck, looking like he just stepped off the cover of a surf magazine in board shorts and a pale blue polo tee that hugs his biceps and shows off his tan.

I’m the only one who knows the truth: that he’s a shit surfer—always jumping up too soon and wiping out before the wave’s even crested.

When he makes it over to us, he grabs both my shoulders and places a kiss on the side of my head.

“Hey, sorry I’m late.” He reaches a hand across to Dani. “Sebastian Wallace-Conway, pleasure to meet you.”

“Dani Russo. And likewise.” Then she turns to me and raises a studded eyebrow. “Well, I have to go. You enjoy yourself today, Sybil. Looks like you have two delicious options to choose from.”

I choke a little on my iced coffee, but luckily, Seb is oblivious to Dani’s double meaning. He just nods down earnestly at my two drinks and says, “Oh yeah, that green juice looks fire. Can I try some?”

I wordlessly hand him the glass as Dani heads out, throwing me a wink behind Seb’s back as she goes.