Together we entered the shop, anticipating the drama that was about to unfold. We were woefully disappointed.

“Vivian!” Piper called. She raised her arm and gave a little finger wave.

Viv was standing on the opposite side of the shop. She was fussing with a series of mannequin heads all sporting her latest creations. Viv had been on an organza bender last month, crafting luscious, frothy confections in brilliant shades of yellow and orange, magenta and purple. It had felt like having yards and yards of a sunset swallowing up the shop, which was rather delightful, actually.

Viv turned slowly to face us. Her long blond curls reached halfway down her back, and she was wearing a formfitting blue dress that perfectly matched her large eyes. Our eyes were the only feature we shared, inherited from Mim. Viv was all creamy skin and wicked curves, while I was pale, freckles and stick-straight red hair with a figure to match. Honestly, if I didn’t love her like a sister, I’d be consumed with jealousy. When Viv was in a room, everyone stopped and stared, and I do mean everyone. Except Piper, apparently.

“How are you, darling?” Piper strode across the room with her arms held wide.

Bella sat down, planting her rump on my toes. Her head cocked to the side as if she, too, could not comprehend the audacity of this person who thought she could cold-call Vivian Tremont—acclaimed milliner, mild eccentric and temperamental artist—and live to tell about it.

To my shock, Viv smiled a real, genuine, teeth-showing grin and cried, “Piper!”

As if this weren’t stunning enough, the two women hugged. Hugged! Well, technically, I suppose it was an air hug. They didn’t actually touch each other but sort of leaned into each other’s proximity and made kissing noises in the vicinity of each other’s faces.

“I’m gobsmacked,” Andre said.

“Ditto,” I agreed. It felt as if the planet had shifted on its axis without warning. “Viv looks genuinely happy to see her.”

“And Viv is never happy to see anyone,” he said.

“It’s alarming,” I concluded.

“What brings you by, Piper?” Viv asked. She looked her friend over, clearly approving of her cheerful spring ensemble. I knew Viv well enough to know that she was already debating which hat would best complement Piper’s outfit.

“Betrayal,” Piper said. She dragged out the word for full dramatic effect.

Andre and I didn’t even pretend not to be listening. Piper was building her case for Viv to step in and save her wedding. I couldn’t help but wonder if it would work.