Page 18 of My Ruthless Neighbor

It wasn’t a great solution, but at least I’d get to eat something other than cup noodles.

To convince my landlady that I was indeed out of town, I had to turn off all the lights in the apartment. And I am fucking scared of darkness. Hawaii sounded more and more appealing.

So here I am. In Hawaii. Only, I am not living my best life. Nor I am a millionaire. I am running. From reality. But instead of having the time of my life, I am in misery.

Raleigh was supposed to pick me up. He didn’t.

I walked for hours to find the resort. I had no alternative. My phone’s battery was dead. So I couldn’t contact him. There are so many resorts on Maui, I was lost.

Raleigh had texted me the resort’s address but I couldn’t access it.

Technology has turned humans lazy. I should’ve at least scribed the resort’s name on a paper. It could’ve made my hike a hell of a lot easier.

The sun had set when I reached the oceanfront resort.

The cool wind blows my long tresses and I sigh in contentment. My eyes flit over the resort’s name.

Euphoria.

I gawk at it for a beat. I can’t believe I was stopping people for directions to a resort named Hysteria. I feel my face heat up.

“Ugh!” I growl. I want to hurl myself into the ocean.

My legs are killing me. I walked for fucking miles. That could’ve been avoided if I had remembered the damn name.

Shaking my head, I trudge up the stairs and into the lobby.

My black cropped halter top is sticking to my skin, my yellow pleated plaid mini skirt is creased. And my mismatched thigh highs are itching.

In a nutshell, I am fucking uncomfortable as I drag my trolley behind me and make my way to the front desk.

“Hello, I am Summer Donovan. The groom’s best friend.” I say to the friendly-looking woman across the desk.

I grit out the “best friend” part. I am so pissed at him. He didn’t come to receive me. I felt so out of depth all day wandering in an unknown place.

My legs tremble a bit. They’re sore. I feel lightheaded and weak. I just had a couple of jolly ranchers for lunch.

My shoulders slump when she informs me that Raleigh is out with Hannah. I am told to wait until he shows up.

Apparently, the whole resort is booked for Raleigh and Hannah’s creative team. They’re not accepting any visitors until the grand opening. She says she can’t let me check in until she confirms it with Raleigh.

When the lady directs me to the atrium and asks me to wait there, I thank her and turn to leave.

My legs feel like rubber as I slog through the beautiful resort. My lids feel so heavy I can’t even appreciate the interior architecture around me.

I step inside the massive atrium. The marble floors and pillars and the beautiful fountain in the center illustrate a scenic picture.

The gentle sound of trickling water from the fountain attracts me.

There’s no place to sit here. Without thinking I plop upon the edge of the fountain. Reaching down, I massage my calves.

My throat is dry. Being on an empty stomach has left me drained. Where the hell are you, Raleigh?

“Miss…”

I look up and find a man clad in a hotel staff uniform with a tray in his hands, carrying a glass of ice water. Snatching the glass with both hands, I take a greedy swallow.

Heaven.

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