Overstimulation.
Inability to recognize social cues.
An apparent lack of a filter in certain situations.
Hardly any friendships because women don’t accept me.
Texture and taste issues.
Married to my job.
Will I ever find a partner who loves me for me?
Who doesn’t use me as a placeholder, or hide me away while trying to find someone better?
Curling up in a ball, I begin to cry.
My brother and sister couldn’t care less about me.
My parents only put up with me if it benefits them.
None of them support me, or accept me for who I am.
I have one friend. One.
It’s only a matter of time before she realizes I’m not worth the trouble.
I’m alone.
So fucking alone.
After crying for an inordinate amount of time, I text Chelsea and ask if she can come watch my animals for the night. She responds with a joke about how much noise I’ll make with Jamie when he gets home, and how innocent animal ears shouldn’t hear it. I don’t correct her.
I stalk quickly into my room, grabbing an empty bag and a change of clothes. Back in the living room, I remove my necessities from the bag I had at Jamie’s, then go to my car. Once I get to where I’m going, I’ll contact Chelsea. But not now. She’ll talk me out of it, but I need to leave. I can’t be in the same city as Jamie right now.
Jax’s wife, Becca, told me about a boutique hotel in a small town called Eternity Springs, about an hour west of Denver, and it sounded like a great place to take a vacation. A quick check online found an open room, and I scooped it up for the week. Everlasting Inn and Spa has a restaurant, spa, hot springs, and free Wi-Fi, so I can handle any official business from there.
I have the radio turned off on the drive. Complete silence, except for the sound of traffic on the interstate. I turned my phone off quite some time ago, not that anyone will call me. Chelsea thinks I’m getting banged six ways to Sunday, and Jamie isn’t in Colorado yet. But I can’t take the chance that anyone might call me. If I speak a word, I’ll begin to sob.
Driving the main road in Eternity Springs, I’m greeted by an adorable town full of touristy shops, a large town center with a playground, and a huge hotel that looms in the distance. Pulling onto the Everlasting property, I stare slack-jawed at the hotel. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Four stories, with bay windows on the ends, it somehow appears both quaint and awe-inspiring. I could see having a large, grand wedding here, but also a brunch with friends.
After parking, I slowly walk into the grand foyer to the concierge. A woman smiles pleasantly at me. “How may I help you?”
“Uh, hi,” I answer, my voice instantly unsteady. “I just reserved a room about an hour ago. It should be under Audrey Carrington.”
“Oh, yes. Are you by any chance related to Paige Carrington? I can’t remember her married last name, though.”
Great. Even an hour away from home, my last name makes things difficult. “She’s my sister.”
The woman’s face screws up in immediate distaste, but she schools her expression instantly. “Oh, how lovely. I’ve interacted with Paige on a variety of events in Denver.”
“What events?” I ask, hoping it isn’t the main one my family does. If she knows Paige, she may know my parents.
“Mostly for Children’s Hospital of Colorado. I don’t think Paige was super involved with the events for the hospital, but I usually saw her in passing.”
“Oh, I believe her husband works for Children’s, or their parent hospital company. So it explains why she was there. She doesn’t really like kids, though, so I’m betting her husband made her go,” I blurt out.
The woman lets out a loud laugh. “I take it you and your sister don’t get along too well?”
