Page 7 of The Weekend Getaway

And yet, somehow, Alex started hanging out with Phil after they sat next to each other in a class they shared. And,despite Alex’s lack of funds and social connections, they formed a relationship.

According to Alex, they’d immediately hit it off, finding common ground, discussing sports, gambling, politics, and gaming.

Sarah had never believed Alex’s account, particularly after meeting and spending time around Phil, who seemed peculiarly averse to poverty.

She doubted that what Alex and Phil shared could be called a friendship, and yet conceded they were more than acquaintances. They were allies, of sorts. Companions, maybe. There was some type of camaraderie between them which made Alex feel comfortable enough to make introductions. They formed an association with Phil, who saw them as Alex’s friends and tolerated them, somewhat, for that reason.

Sarah took a deep breath.

The sight of Phil now conflicted with her memories of him then, when he was an overweight doofus with sallow, acne-scarred skin. His head was oval, egg-shaped and his prominent features, large nose and jutting chin, always seemed to come at you before the rest of him did. But he dressed well, Sarah had given him that. No garish designer labels, everything bespoke.

Phil was dressed impeccably now, wearing expensive linen, classic and understated.

But he’d lost a considerable amount of weight. He wasn’t muscular or fit, just much thinner. Asa result, his face seemed more proportionate, the features balanced. And the acne had been taken care of.

Despite the differences in his appearance, he was still Phil Richart.

She couldn’t look at him without thinking about that night at the party.

Without thinking about waking up next to him, covered in blood.

Without thinking about the days following that night, when she was confused, and didn’t understand, or know what to do next. Mia had been by her side during those difficult, dark days. A lifeline, Sarah had thought at the time. But in reality, a noose.

Sarah hesitated, reluctant to announce her presence, content to stand in the shade and shadows of the thick, tropical foliage, peeking between the broad, waxy, dark green leaves. Watching. Waiting.

All the other guests had arrived. Mia, Alex, Jason, Grace, Chris, and of course, Phil. Alex and Mia were still the power couple, but their light had dimmed a bit. Sarah knew about the issues at the law firm. Mia liked to downplay them. Liked to pretend that all firms had issues to contend with from time to time. Ashton, Foster, and Morgan was no different. Things would be fine.

But the problems at Ashton, Foster, and Morgan had persisted.

So much so that Alex had been forced to plan a weekend getaway. A chance to get together, relax, and enjoy each other’s company, Mia had told her, after Sarah called to askabout the invitation she’d received. Sarah knew it was much more than that. Alex had not brought them together for cocktails, sunshine, and fun times.

Scowling, Sarah focused on Alex, Jason, Chris, and Phil.

The four men huddled together, drinks in hand, talking and laughing. The relationship dynamics between the men were still the same. Alex, the alpha male, the dictator, directing and orchestrating, demanding loyalty and submission. Chris, the follower, with no mind of his own, was eager to be led. Jason, the challenger, but quick to back down, eager to give in and allow things to happen, absolved of guilt because it wasn’t his decision.

And finally, Phil, above it all, untouchable.

Why the hell had Mia invited him? Alex wanted him to come, Mia had told her, shifting the blame to her husband. Okay, fine. But why had Mia invited her, knowing Phil would be there? Again, it was what Alex wanted. Mia claimed Alex felt Sarah and Phil should make amends and move beyond what happened fifteen years ago.

“You can’t continue to let the past dictate your future,” Mia had said when Sarah called her to discuss the invitation.

“What does that mean?” Sarah asked, genuinely confused.

“You shouldn’t allow what happened to hinder you.”

“I wasn’t aware that I had,” Sarah said. “Despite what happened, I graduated from college, I have a great career?—”

“Sarah, I don’t mean …” Mia stopped for a moment, then said, “Okay, I’m going to be straight with you.”

“Please do.”

“Alex needs Phil’s help,” Mia said. “He has a plan, but he needs you to help make it work.”

Of course, Alex had a plan.

He’d had a plan fifteen years ago. A different plan, one Mia and Grace had convinced Sarah to go along with. A plan she could benefit from. A plan that would provide her with something better than revenge.

Sarah shuddered, despite the balmy temperature.

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