Chapter 15

At sunset, Lucy texts with Lillian to shift their expensive breakfast to cocktails on Monday, buoyed by the prospect of taking In Bloom to the next level but questioning whose success she seeks. She returns inside to Bridget, who announces Felix will bring oysters for shucking practice and that Zach will join.

Felix arrives, and Lucy struggles to tamp down her feelings, reminding herself of boundaries and distance. Zach shows up with supplies, banters about his longtime affection for Bridget, and mentions his girlfriend, Lana. The group readies oysters and drinks while Bridget exchanges tense texts with Miles.

Felix coaches Lucy on safe slicing as they prepare lemons, their closeness reigniting attraction. They time Felix’s shucking rounds; Zach heckles, and Bridget assesses penalties for grit and shell, revealing Felix’s target time for the competition. When Bridget and Felix step away, Zach bluntly asks Lucy about her and Felix; Lucy denies anything beyond their history, but Zach notes their obvious chemistry.

Later, over Trivial Pursuit and more rye, Zach dominates until conversation turns to Bridget’s imminent wedding. Felix, dropping his usual gentleness, insists Bridget explain why she’s called them home with the date so near and guests en route. Bridget resists, voice shaking. Lucy offers private support, but Bridget, eyes welling, says she isn’t ready to tell them yet.