Page 57 of L.O.V.E

Good question. I hadn’t told anyone which hotel I’d booked. “I don’t know, Lacey. He showed up. He was drunk. He babbled about Victoria. He passed out.”

“He looks like shit today.”

A red and white beachball bounced my way, and I kicked it back toward the pool. “I’m surprised he’s out of bed, honestly.”

“I wonder if there’s trouble in paradise? Victoria showed up in a separate car. She had a giant freaking hickey—”

“None of my business,” I blurted. Because I knew things already that I didn’t want to know. I didn’t want to hope that there was trouble, that Victoria might suffer a broken heart. I wouldn’t be that person.

“Are you sure I can’t change your mind? We had a whole day planned, all of us.”

“I’m sorry, Lacey. Please don’t be mad.”

With a huff, she freed me. “I know you have your reasons. And I know you well enough not to push. Let me know when you’re home safe?”

“I will.” I paused, fighting tears, hating that I was letting my best friend down. I wanted to ask her about Cole’s sister, but again, none of my business. “Enjoy your first day of being Mrs. Chambers.”

Lacey laughed her genuine laugh, not her courtesy laugh. She would be fine without me. She had Ellis now. She would be better than fine for the rest of her life.

“Love ya,” I whispered, biting back tears.

“You, too.”

I enjoyed the sun for another half hour. Took a quick dip in the pool. Showered. Packed. Checked out. Waited outside for my shuttle to the airport.

My phone chimed.

Fucking cunt

I see you

Ugly cow

Hope ur plane crashes

My skin prickled. I didn’t look around. I no longer gave a shit.

“We need to talk,” came a weary voice over my shoulder.

“No,” I said, tucking my cell into my handbag, keeping my back to the man who seemed determined to ruin me.

“I’m sorry about last night.”

“I’m sorry I let you in.” I stared at the hotel sign across the parking lot.

Cole huffed, his breath blowing my hair, making me shiver.

“I was shitfaced. But I knew what I was doing, what I was saying. And I shouldn’t have dumped that bullshit on you. I was so fucking selfish, hoping you’d be the one to cross that last line, to give me permission to—”

“Stop.” I whipped around and clamped a hand over his mouth. “Just stop. We are not going there. Do you hear me? This is over. No more. We are never to be in the same space again, got me?”

He couldn’t answer, my hand sealed tight over his lips. He studied me, my entire face, his eyes liquifying. He blinked. Nodded. Took a step back.

My arm dropped to my side, and a hefty weight lifted from my shoulders. I would have to be the one to go. I would have to step away from my best friend so she could be happy with her new life. I would be the one to distance myself so Cole could move forward with his commitment to Victoria, torment free, temptation free.

“Walk away. I don’t want apologies. I don’t want to see you ever again. We are nothing.” I turned my back and exhaled, settling into my new reality.

“Thank you, Natalie.” His breath blew over my shoulder, making me shiver despite the desert heat. “Thank you for being stronger than me.”

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