Ella sat on the edge of the bed. “Yes,” she said, her shoulders sagging. “It’s true.”
“I’m going to find him and beat the living shit out of him.”
“No, you’re not.”
“I really might.”
“As much as I appreciate the sentiment, it won’t fix anything. In fact, it’ll make everything worse because then I’ll have to bail you out of jail.”
“It’s worth going to jail. Are you okay?”
“I’ve been better.”
“I’m glad you went without him.”
“I’m not. I should’ve stayed home. The last place I need to be is smack in the middle of someone else’s happily-ever-after. Not to mention our happily coupled siblings surrounding me. After the wedding tomorrow, I’m coming home. I’d rather be at work than here.”
“Said no sane person ever.”
“I’m not feeling so sane tonight.”
“What happened? What did he say?”
“It’s not even worth repeating. It’s over. That’s the bottom line.”
“I don’t get it.”
“That makes two of us. Tell me some good news. How’s the baby?”
“He’s so cute. I saw him again before we left Burlington last night. They were going home from the hospital this afternoon.”
“How’s Chloe?”
“Sore and cranky. She didn’t have much to say to us when we were there.”
“And how’s Max?”
“In love with his son and dealing with her the best he can. I don’t envy him this situation. And I don’t envy your situation.”
“I have no situation. Not anymore.”
“Ella, you can’t give up—”
“Yes, I really can, Charley. At some point, enough becomes enough. I’d be a masochist to let this continue after what’s already happened.”
Charley’s deep sigh said it all.
“How was the store today?”
“Crazy busy. Just how we like it.”
“Good. Anything you couldn’t handle?”
“Nope. I got it covered. Don’t rush home on my account.”
“Thanks for covering for me. I’ll be in on Monday.”
“Call me if you need me. You know where I am.”
“Yes, I do, and thanks for checking on me. Don’t beat up Gavin.”
“I’ll try to resist the urge.”
“Bye, Charley.” Ella put down the phone and stretched out on the bed, which seemed to be the only place she wanted to be. Her limbs felt weighted, and her head was aching almost as badly as her heart. She didn’t really want to be home, where every corner of her life would remind her of him. But she didn’t want to be here either. How sad was it that she didn’t want to be anywhere because no matter where she went, he came with her. He was so deeply embedded in her heart that it would be a long time, if ever, before she left him behind.
*
Ella surprised herself by sleeping amazingly well. She woke with a new determination to get through the day so she could head home in the morning. After the wedding, she was meeting with the concierge, who’d agreed to help change her flight.
She had breakfast with her siblings and Gavin’s parents, during which they talked about everything other than the elephant sitting in the middle of the table. Ella was thankful that they’d tuned into the fact that she didn’t want to talk about it anymore. What was there to talk about? They’d had a thing. It was over now. End of story.
Except . . .
No, Ella, end of story.
While the others headed off to take a tour in a glass-bottom boat, Ella took her e-reader to the pool, determined to salvage at least one day of this disaster to work on her tan. She stayed until four and even had an umbrella drink of rum punch that warmed her up on the inside.
With the wedding at six, she headed back to her room to shower and get ready. On the way, she ran into Cameron and Will, who were returning from the beach, holding hands as always. They were so damned cute, and seeing their happy, smiling faces reminded her once again of what she’d almost had with Gavin.
“Hey, guys.” She forced a smile for their benefit. “How was the beach?”