Page 143 of Aria

Anne stalled in her tracks after noticing the worried look on my face. “You okay, girl? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”

I glanced up, distracted. “Huh? Oh, sorry. I – I just found out that Devon’s service is tomorrow. I wanted to be there, but I’m not sure I can swing it.”

Elsa poked her head out of her office. “Chelsie, go home and book your flight. We’ll see you when you get back.”

I folded my lips between my teeth. My hand was trembling, so I put my phone back into my pocket. “I don’t know…”

“You need closure, Chels,” Anne spoke up. “You need this. You’ll always have this cloud hanging over you if you don’t go. Say your goodbyes, girlfriend.”

“She’s right,” Elsa agreed, leaning against the doorframe. “Closure is necessary for healing. Take all the time you need.”

Forcing a faint smile, I sucked in a breath.

It was settled, then.

I was headed back to New York City.

CHAPTERTHIRTY-FOUR

CHELSIE

It was a foggy, damp day in New York City. It felt as if the entire city was mourning the loss of Devon Sawyer.

I pulled my sweater tighter, no longer used to the chilly, northern air. I felt out of place as I hailed a cab, dodging the busy pedestrians on their cell phones and cursing as I stepped into a puddle. There was so much noise. The smell of street-stand hot dogs filled the air and car horns blared as I hurried down the bustling sidewalk.

It was a short drive to the funeral home.

Too short. I didn’t feel prepared.

When the cab pulled up to the brick building, I almost told the driver to bring me back to the hotel. My heart was beating rapidly, and my stomach had twisted with nerves and anxiety.

I pressed on, though. I’d made it this far, and I needed to see it through.

“Thank you,” I said to the driver, handing him his cash and stepping out onto the sidewalk in black sandals.

There were people everywhere; family, friends, fans. It took my breath away.

Moving a few hesitant steps forward, my eyes darted left and right, unsure of who I might recognize.

Would Julia be there? We hadn’t spoken since I’d left town almost three years ago.

Miles? Tad?

Noah?

My stomach churned.

I can’t do this.

“Chelsie!”

I stopped in my tracks, recognizing the voice.

Lisa.

We eagerly embraced as I fought back tears. It had been a long time since I’d laid eyes on my dear friend. Lisa’s red curls smelled like baby powder, tickling my nose as we hugged.

“I’m so glad you came,” she whispered against my ear.

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