Page 11 of Beautifully Wild

I nod as though it’s nothing.

Did I say something to upset him?

I shake my head, hoping to find some clarity. I mean, who walks away from someone you just met? It wasn’t like we didn’t have chemistry. I felt it and know he did too—what a rude jerk. Well, Mr. Rudey Pants, it’s your loss. I huff to myself and decide to think nothing else of him.

Only I can’t stop thinking about him.

Bree must notice my mood because she grabs my hand and dances with me in the middle of the group.

We continue dancing late into the night.

Samuel.

I say his name over and over in my head.

In Salvador, I thought I imagined him and didn’t believe I’d see him again. Yet here we are in Rio, and now my friends are hooking up with his friends. My alcohol-fueled thoughts are telling me I can be anyone I want to be. Rio is the city of love, after all. I raise my cup and stare into the liquid as though it holds answers. If I could have that time over, what would I say to him? I need to be prepared for the next time I bump into him.

Now my friends are with his friends, there will be a next time.

8

Eden

Twodayslater,I’mthrowing summer tank tops in a case and sorting through dirty clothes, even sweaty clothes from the clean ones. I zip up my case, and simultaneously on the floor beside me the phone brightens with a notification.

Ethan.

The jerk who broke my heart and one of the reasons I needed this holiday. I’m even more pissed my father hired him to replace me.

Since there’s a slight chance it could be work-related, I open the message.

Ethan:Hey…

Hope you’re enjoying your holiday. It’s weird working here. Sitting in your chair. Using your computer. I keep staring at the frame on your desk—the one of you and your friends.

You’re everywhere.

I’m waiting for you to walk through the door and kick my ass and tell me to get out of your seat.

Dana’s grumpier than I remember.

Your dad looks sad like he misses you even though you have only been gone two weeks.

I’m grateful he’s given me this position while you’re away. It gives me a chance to work out what’s next for me. When my internship ended, I thought the law firm would keep me on. My second biggest mistake. You think I’d have learned not to take things for granted.

I still regret what I did and hope one day you can forgive me. I do appreciate you saying we’re friends. So, as a friend, I’m grateful to be working with your dad and seeing constant reminders of you, even though it hurts.

Stay safe, possum.

A storm of emotion tightens my chest.

The hurt.

The anger.

The embarrassment.

I toss my phone on the bed as if it’s the cause.

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