Page 85 of The Wrong Promise

“Your mom has saved enough for us to spend a few days at a resort since you said how cold London is in December.”

“You’ll be able to spend time by the pool and relax for a few days,” she says as though she has given me a wonderful gift.

I can’t be upset with them as it’s so kind. But while I love my parents, I don’t want them organizing my life, especially not when I’m in my mid-thirties. Dad is eyeing me in the mirror, so I force a smile and nod. “It sounds wonderful.” I could do with some sunshine. “Only a few days?” I say, sounding disappointed.

“Yes, darling. We leave the day before Christmas for four days. It was a great special. We’ll have to forgo our traditional Christmas lunch, but it’s worth it to do this with you.”

“Thank you both,” I say sincerely now that the shock has settled. “I appreciate it.”

I send Penny another text to give her the heads up.

My parents have arranged a ‘secret’ vacation to Mexico for four days. It leaves two days to see you before I return to London. Any chance you want to drive to San Diego before we leave? So sorry to cancel our plans. I didn’t know x

The following morning,I wake to a string of messages.

The first is from Jobe. Then Penny.

One from Hugh.Shit, has his wife had the baby?

One from George.

Jobe is calling…

My heart does a little flip seeing his name, and I smile at my impatient man.

“Good morning, Mr. Hendricks.”

“Zara.” His voice is strained.

I sit upright and lift the covers to my chest. “Hey. Is everything okay?”

“Piper died in an accident last night.”

“What?” I gasp. “What do you meandied?”

“She was in a car with a guy, and he crashed the car. A date apparently with someone she met on a dating app.”

“What the fuck?” I croak. My heart is racing, and I can’t breathe. “She’s really dead?”

Silence.

I hold my breath. This can’t be real.

“I’m so sorry. It’s not how I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t want you to hear from anyone else. Is there anything I can do?”

My eyes burn, and tears roll down my cheeks. The nausea is back, and with it, my gut tightens. I’m going to be sick. “When are you coming home?”

“Tonight. I have commitments with my family. Some things have happened at home and I promised Mom I’d be there for Christmas Eve. I’ll drive down to San Diego and see you the day after Christmas.”

I shake my head. My throat is on fire, and I can barely speak. I keep seeing images of Piper laughing at something I said at the bar. Joking around together. I’m struggling to accept she is gone. “My parents have surprised me with four days in Mexico for Christmas. I’ll call you when I get home.” I sob.

“Zara. I know this is hard, but she didn’t suffer. Thereports indicate she died instantly. An object in the back seat flew into the front when the car rolled. It hit her in the head, a fatal blow.”

I sob louder. “What about the driver?”

“He didn’t make it. He was taken to hospital but died a few hours later.”

I can’t catch my breath.

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