I swallowed hard, torn between the longing to be there for my best friend and the nagging fear that this would make me change my mind about the plans I’d been working on for the lastfew months. But as I looked at Adam, his eyes pleading, I knew there was only one answer I could give.
I took a deep breath, steadying myself. “Of course I’m in,” I said, “Someone’s got to make sure you don’t drown your sorrows in too many Mai Tais.”
His face lit up with a grin, and I felt my heart skip a beat. “You’re the best, River,” he said, squeezing my shoulder. The warmth of his hand lingered even after he pulled away.
As the others continued to make plans, I found myself lost in thought. What was I getting myself into? A week in paradise with Adam, surrounded by couples on their honeymoons…? It felt like a recipe for heartache. But I couldn’t bring myself to regret my decision, not when my best friend needed me.
An hour passed in a blur of phone calls and excited chatter. Lior finally hung up his phone and turned to address the group. “All right, everything’s set,” he announced. “We’ve got a private jet leaving tomorrow morning, and since Adam already has the honeymoon suite, I’ve booked two additional suites.”
I nodded, relieved that things were falling into place. But then Lior continued, “The only hiccup is that there aren’t any extra rooms available. River, our suite has a pull-out couch, and it’s big enough that we won’t be on top of each other. You’re more than welcome to stay there.”
My stomach dropped. The thought of being so close to Adam yet still separated felt like a cruel joke. But before I could respond, Adam spoke up.
“No way,” he said firmly. “River’s not sleeping on some uncomfortable couch. He can stay with me in my suite. We shared a room in college. It’ll be just like old times.”
I froze, my mind reeling. Just like old times?
If only Adam knew how different our experience of sharing the same room had been for me. But as I met his earnest gaze,I found myself nodding. “Yeah,” I managed to say, my voice slightly hoarse. “Just like old times.”
6
ADAM
Asliver of sunlight pierced the semi-darkness of the room. For a moment, I lay still, listening to the world outside. The distant chirping of birds and the occasional duck quack.
I pressed a hand against my chest, feeling a dull throb, the memory of yesterday’s events playing over and over in my head—the pain, the pity in my family’s gazes as I announced the wedding cancellation to our guests.
Time to move on.
I swung my legs off the bed, my feet meeting the cool floor. I stood, stretched my arms above my head, and took a deep, resolving breath.
Today would not be about what-ifs or might-have-beens. Today was for moving forward, for reclaiming the narrative ofmy own life. I was going to Maui for a honeymoon, and dammit, I was going to have one—Victoria or no Victoria.
My phone vibrated against the nightstand, the screen lighting up with a message from River.
River
Skipping the vineyard breakfast. Meet in the lobby?
I exhaled a silent thank you, grateful for the excuse to avoid the sympathetic stares and hushed whispers.
Me
Sounds good.
By the time I arrived at the lobby, River was already there, leaning casually against the wall, his green eyes scanning the room until they landed on me. Maybe I was already giving out my ready-for-change aura because the corners of his mouth lifted in a small smile.
“Where are the others?” I asked.
“Noah and Lior are outside. Lex and Emery are on their way down.”
“Great. I’ll just go check out.”
“No need. Drop your room keys in that box by the reception desk. Your parents took care of the rest. I caught them on the way to breakfast. They said to have a great time and don’t let Noah murder anyone for the love of god. They also said marry, but I think Lior has that part covered.”
I laughed. “No murders. No marriages. Fun. Got it.”
My life wasn’t exactly going according to plan, but I had the best family in the world. When Victoria said in her note that I’d have everyone around me, she’d been right.
