Tara’s mouth fell open again, which Rainy thought was dramatic. If Tara wanted to get involved in whatever drama Braithe was swimming around in, so be it. Rainy didn’t want any part of it.

“It’s because of you, you know.” Tara’s voice was acidic and slurred. Rainy was pretty sure she’d had her own version of a screwdriver before this call.

For the last two days, Rainy had agonized over what she had done to upset the women, so this accusation stung even more. The fact that Tara would blame her for anything in regard to Braithe was ridiculous.

“What the hell, Tara?” she said slowly. “You guys begged me to go on the trip, then pretty much iced me out after the first day, and now you’re trying to blame me for Braithe’s decisions?”

Tara sighed, ducking her head. Her ponytail fell forward over her shoulder, and when she looked up, her eyes looked like they did in her marathon photos, the ones Rainy had seen online. Fierce, determined. Tara was ready to square off with her.

“Braithe and Grant used to be a thing. Did you know that?”

Tara’s words trickled like ice water into her brain. So it was true.

“She dated him before Stephen, and she chose Stephen...but you know how old love never dies.” Her voice trailed off suggestively.

“Grant would have told me.” Rainy’s voice was firm, but her mind was bulging with questions. Would Grant have told her if he’d dated Braithe? It had never been implied; no one ever brought it up. But Stephen was his best friend: there was just no way.

Tara was studying her face. She said, “Stephen knows—he was around when they dated. He sort of felt like he stole the girl and was always grateful to Grant for being so cool about it.”

“What does this have to do with me?”

Tara smiled, knowing she’d hit her target; Rainy was visibly upset now. “What do you think all of this has been? The invites, being the favorite new person she shines her light on—she’s interested in you. Sure, she may even like you, but it’s only because you’re with Grant. Grant being the beginning and end of everything she’s done since she realized she married the wrong guy.”

“This is nuts, Tara. You have no right to tell me this. These aren’t your stories to tell.”

“You being with him drove her over the edge,” she pushed on. “She’s not a bad person. She’s just a confused person.”

“Did she tell you that?”

Tara’s mouth tightened.