Free Sweetheart Deal by Linda Joffe Hull Page A

Anastasia’s sisters encircled her like schoolgirls for a group good-bye .
    Just before they slipped into the limo together, Anastasia gave me a big hug.
    â€œAre you doing okay?” she whispered. “I haven’t had a single moment to check in with you.”
    â€œI’m fine,” I said, adding a smile in the midst of the on-camera pomp and circumstance.
    â€œReally?” she asked. “Because I’m not sure I would be—not given everything you’ve been through over the past six months.”
    While it wasn’t like I’d had any time to process how I really felt, something about her earnest expression gave me an extra dash of comfort.
    â€œI can’t say it hasn’t been upsetting,” I said. “But I don’t want to let an unfortunate accident mar what has otherwise been a wonderful celebration.”
    â€œI knew you were going to be a total pro,” she said, her voice cracking as she gave me a hug. “Thank you for being the best matron of honor ever.”
    Other than a look I thought I saw pass between Hair, Body, and Face, it felt like one of the most genuine moments I’d experienced since I’d been down in Mexico.

    The moment the limo was out of camera range, a sightseeing bus pulled up and we were off on an afternoon getaway of our own.
    On the way into town, Felipe, our resident driver, provided color commentary:
    This area, known as the Riviera Maya, was an important commercial and religious center for the ancient Mayans from about 1000 to 1550 A.D. Tulum, a Mayan fortress which many of you will get a chance to see over the next few days, was the most important population center from this era, but there were other key towns such as Xaman-Ha , now known as Playa del Carmen, where we are headed right now …
    Despite the wealth of facts and figures, there was no missing the lack of inflection in Felipe’s voice, or the breaks he took, setting down his handheld speaker to blow his nose.
    â€œMy apologies,” he said at one point.
    â€œNo explanations necessary,” Geo said, patting him on the shoulder from his seat beside me in the front row. “We all understand.”
    â€œI saw Ivan just before we left,” Eloise said from across the aisle where she sat beside Frank. “Did you know they’re setting up his body by the pool and taking turns keeping his soul company because he can’t be alone until he’s buried or something?”
    FJ and Trent, seated across from her, rolled their eyes at their sister’s sudden in-the -know status.
    â€œInteresting,” Trent deadpanned.
    â€œTotally,” FJ added.
    Liam, seated behind them, smiled conspiratorially.
    â€œI mean, the whole thing is awful and everything,” I heard one of Anastasia’s other sisters whisper. “But if the pools are going to be closed and the staff is falling apart, maybe they should think about switching all of us over to the hotel where Stasia and Philip went.”
    â€œOr give us some sort of credit or something,” another one said. “For our trauma and inconvenience.”
    â€œSeriously,” the third said. “The only thing that hasn’t been rescheduled was my timeshare presentation.”
    â€œCharming, aren’t they,” Geo whispered almost inaudibly in my ear. “Like Cinderella’s wicked stepsisters.”
    â€œHere we are,” Felipe announced. “The shopping, restaurants, and nightlife all center around Fifth Avenue. Meet me back here at eight p.m. In the meantime, I wish you many bargains.”

    â€œBargaining, known here in Mexico as el regateo, has been an essential part of the business and social fabric for centuries,” I stated for the camera, curious locals, and the tourists who’d gathered to watch us outside a colorful knickknack shop. “Knowing when, where, and how to engage in negotiations can be a little tricky, especially for us