Page 65 of Love Me Ever After
Was that the caffeine or the realisation I’d just come to?
Either way, I took a few deep breaths to calm the pounding in my chest. Trying to distract myself, I opened my email and attempted to catch up on what I’d missed while I’d been away. I got so lost in a chain of messages, I almost missed my train again.
When I’d settled down in my seat—First Class, a treat for the shitty travel experience I’d had so far—I finally started to relax. It wasn’t long before my eyelids began to droop. The journey was over two hours, so even if I managed a micro nap, it would help.
I woke up half an hour away from my stop, feeling like crap. Waving at the train manager as she walked past, I asked for some tea and a chocolate bar to help me come around.
Checking my phone, I didn’t see any response from Ems and it looked as if she hadn’t even read my message. There must be some major event at the hotel today which prevented her from replying. Still, it wouldn’t be too long before I’d be home and we could talk properly, face-to-face, about everything.
When I finally got to the house, it was empty. Given it was a work day for both Ems and Sara, I hadn’t been expecting a welcome home party. But when I didn’t see any kind of note from Ems either in my room or hers, concern started to prickle.
After I’d showered and unpacked, I dressed in jeans and a t-shirt and headed to the kitchen to put some washing on.
“Oh, you’re back.” Sara barely looked up from her phone as she crunched on some freshly made toast.
“Good to see you too, Sara.” I shoved my dirty clothes into the washing machine, added washing liquid and softener, and started the cycle. “What time will Ems be home?”
She raised one shoulder, not making eye contact. “Dunno.”
“Maybe I’ll surprise her at work. Get some flowers or something.”
Sara’s head jerked up. “I wouldn’t waste your money. She’s not here.”
I frowned. Was Ems really so mad about Whit being in my hotel room that she wouldn’t even speak to me?
“Sara, what’s going on?”
“She’s gone to see a friend.” She stood up, dumping her plate in the sink. “I’ve got to get back to work. I’ll be late otherwise.” Then she left the room without saying another word.
I raked a hand through my hair, an uneasy feeling coursing through my body. Something didn’t feel right. Most—if not all—of Ems’s friends lived in Ealynn Sands. I couldn’t recall anyone she’d mentioned who wasn’t from around here. Pulling my phone out of my back pocket, I tried Ems again. Voicemail. And she still hadn’t seen my message from earlier. I drummed my fingers against my leg. Hanging around the house wouldn’t help, so I grabbed my jacket and left.
Twenty minutes later, I was at the reception of the Ealynn Marina Hotel.
The receptionist recognised me as I walked up to her. “Hey, Mason, how are you?”
Jet lagged to hell and confused as fuck.
“Good thanks, Leanne.” I forced a smile. “Is Ems around?”
Leanne shook her head. “She’s off for a couple of days. Can Sonya help with anything instead?”
I wasn’t sure whether my girlfriend’s boss would be able to shed any light on what was going on. But why hadn’t Ems told me she was taking some holiday? And where the hell was she if she wasn’t at home?
“No, I’m good. I’ll catch you later.” Turning on my heel, I stalked out of the hotel into the warm summer air.
Unsure of what to do, I called Fraser.
“Hey, buddy, where are you today?” I asked as soon as he answered.
“Working from home this afternoon. Are you back from the Big Apple?”
“Can I come over? Need to talk to you about something.”
“Sure. Darcy’s still at work, so we’ve got a good hour or so until she’s home.”
“Great. I’ll be there in ten.”
On my way to Fraser’s, I stopped in the small supermarket and grabbed a six pack of beers.
