Page 47 of Growing Into Love

I think back to dinner. “No,” I admit. “Not that I saw, anyway.”

“Okay. That’s a positive sign. You can’t control Theresa’s behavior. You and Jaz are spending the whole week in America together.Andyou’re going to win the competition and start your sanctuary. Don’t let her ruin that.”

“Yeah,” I agree.

“Don’t let David ruin it either. I’m sure he’ll handle your inevitable breakup like any decent, mature, imaginary boyfriend would.”

I chuckle. “Okay. Oh, my bath is ready.”

“Yes, go soak in a tub and let all your worries float away,” Autumn says.

“I will. I’ll try not to call so late next time.”

“Love you.”

“Love you too.”

I sigh and hang up the phone. Jaz is probably in his own room by now. It’s a little comforting to know Theresa buggered off again. But why keep contacting him? It’s like she wants both—she wants JazandCraig. Meanwhile, I’m stuck playing at a relationship with Fake David. She needs to grow up and choose. She can’t have her cake and eat it too.

But Autumn is right. I don’t want to let Theresa ruin this week for me.

I slip out of my robe, grab my glass of champagne, and sink into the bubbles.

TWELVE

JAZ

I hearthe muffled sounds of Cass’s voice as she talks to Autumn.

I didn’t unpack much so it’s an easy job to gather my things. I take out my phone and look at Theresa’s text again.

I know I made a mess of things but I’d really like to talk to you. Please call me?

Why does she do this? Why does she always tug me back into her orbit? What does she want from me? She’s got Craig. She’s clearly happy with him—I mean, she always goes back to him in the end. Craig always wins.

I’ll write her back when I get to my own room. I hitch my bag over my shoulder and I’m heading to the door when the room phone rings.

I grab it, so as not to let it disturb Cass.

“Hello?”

“Hi Jaz, this is Betty again.”

“Hi Betty.”

“I’m so sorry but it turns out we won’t have another room for you tonight. I really do apologize for all the delays. Like I said, this is our busy season. I’m going to try and arrange something for tomorrow, but for tonight it looks like you’ll have to stay in Room 214. Is that all right?”

“Oh,” I say. “Yeah. Sure.”

It isn’t as if I’ve got another option. I hang up the phone and drop my bag on the floor by the French doors.

Shit. I don’t have any sleep clothes. I sleep naked.

I rub my forehead. It’s fine. I’ll sleep in my underwear and a tee. I glance at the bed, which seems smaller than it did earlier now that I know I’ll be sharing it with Cass. Maybe there’s a cot somewhere? I do a quick search around the room, but the only other option is an ironing board.

I hear the faint strains of singing coming from the bathroom. I pause to listen—she’s singingUnder the Seafrom The Little Mermaid. I grin. Should I knock and tell her I’m staying the night? But she sounds so happy and relaxed—I don’t want to bother her.

It suddenly occurs to me that she’s naked in there. My chest prickles and my face goes hot. I hear the splash of water and think about what it would feel like to slip my hand beneath the hot water, run my palm up the smooth curve of her leg…

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