Finally, he let go of her hand and she reflexively folded both arms across her waist. “I’m so glad we’re finally meeting. Celine said you were her oldest friend. That you two knew each other as kids. That’s impressive.”

“Where is she? I haven’t seen her yet.”

“Really? Oh, she’s around here somewhere.” Phillip gave a cursory glance at the crowd before turning back to Mira, continuing the conversation. “You know, Celine said you didn’t want to be in the wedding?” he whispered.

“What? What do you mean?”

“She was going to make you maid of honor but said you told her you’d be uncomfortable doing it, so she asked my sister. Luckily, it worked out. Oh, look, there she is,” Phillip said, looking past her at the crowd.

“Mira, I’m so sorry.” Celine came over and hugged her immediately. Mira breathed in a mix of bergamot and jasmine as Celine held her close.

“I didn’t think I’d ever find you.” Mira smiled. Celine let go and they stood before each other. Celine’s fake eyelashes accentuated her smoky eye makeup; her deep red lips didn’t smudge despite the drink she held. Her hair was shorter, loosely curled into a fake bob. She wore a gold-beaded flapper-style dress with a slit that went up to the thigh, and she carried an ostrich-feather clutch. Celine had kept her jewelry simple, wearing only her engagement ring, which was large enough to be the only thing she needed.

“Do you love your room? It’s the nicest of the cottages, and like I told you before it’s all taken care of.”

“Yes, it’s lovely.”

“Isn’t it?” Phillip interrupted. “When I heard about the changes at the Woodsman, I knew I wanted this to be the venue. Celine wasn’t sold at first, but it’s beautiful, isn’t it? The owner did an amazing job.”

Celine didn’t mention what Mira expected her to, but it had to be on her mind. She couldn’t have forgotten. Mira waited, wondering when Celine would bring up the story with Jesse, but she only smiled and talked more about the itinerary for the wedding.