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She pauses long enough to give me a minute for all of that levity to sink in. I don’t get to consider my mother’s hypocrisy or whether it’s just an attempt to counteract her husband’s wrongdoing because Rhea sighs. “It was pretty inspirational, but I forgot all about it by the time we were stateside. Then mom died and it didn't seem like there was any good left in the world. I went to college for the escape it was, and I didn't plan to leave with a degree, honestly. I'd assumed I'd take some classes, fall in love, and not worry about choosing a career. Instead of meeting a man, I met Claire."
Rhea looks over again to where her friend is curled up asleep in her chair, strands of golden hair falling into her face. "Honestly, she was just what I needed when I needed it. We got along pretty much right away, and then when she opened up to me about her family situation, it brought up that old memory, and it made me want to do something. We grew up with maids and butlers... hell, we still have them. And she grew up without even her own room. She attends school on scholarships and works harder than anybody I know to maintain them, yet everything that she has in the world she has fought for. There's a special kind of pride in that."
I listen thoughtfully and after a few moments of silence, I crack a half smile. "Are you sure you aren't in love with her?"
Rhea rolls her eyes. "Could you blame me if I were?"
Love is so far off my radar that yes, I could blame her. But I decide not to admit as much.
"Just making sure."
"I do love her. I mean, I was trying to hurt you yesterday when I said she was more of a sibling to me than you are, but it also wasn't a lie. Do you believe in soulmates?"
I snort into the glass of whiskey I'd just lifted to my lips a moment before. That’s all the answer Rhea needs.
"I figured as much. I think they definitely exist, and I think she is mine. See, they aren't always romantic. I think you can find your soulmate in a friend too. And that's what Claire is. She put me back together when I was falling apart. So no, I am not in love with her. But I do love her like a sibling, like I love you. And I haven't told her yet, but I'm hoping that Claire will stick around to help me manage my future endeavors."
"Fair enough.” I concede. It hurts a little to know that someone has replaced my position in my sister’s life. But I suppose I’m grateful to Claire for being there when I couldn’t. “If she's really as extraordinary as you say, I think the two of you could dominate the hotel/gallery/foster care system."
"Ooh, high praise from the master of business." Rhea laughs. "I can't wait to see what you've done with all your success. I'm guessing you have a yacht full of sexy Costa Rican women on standby and no less than three Ferraris."
I laugh, too. "I guess you'll find out."
Chapter twelve
Claire
"Claire?" Rhea's gentle voice cuts through the din of sleep and I can feel the fog lifting as she pulls me from the comfort of unconsciousness. I sigh as it’s chased away, the comfortable numbness giving way to a faint headache and achy muscles. If only I'd slept a little longer... last night had been too exhausting.
"Five more minutes?" I try, though the words barely come out around a yawn.
"You slept like the dead." Rhea argues. "You should be good for the next week at least. Besides, I've been calling your name for five minutes trying to wake you up. We're here."
Shock prompts my eyes to flutter open. The cabin windows are shut, but it seems brighter than when we took off. I rub the heels of my palms into my eyes, trying to chase away the heavy feeling of grogginess. "We're in Costa Rica?"
"Just landed." Rhea confirms with a nod and a bemused grin.
"That was quick." I stretch my neck, suddenly aware of the stiffness there. I’m going to need a massage after sleeping like that for so long. I wonder vaguely if Remy has a staff of masseuses on standby.
"It wasn't quick." Rhea laughs. "I guess that's my fault. I forgot you're a lightweight and one pill probably would have been the sweet spot. But you needed the sleep, I guess. Now we're burning daylight, so let's go."
I stand up, bracing myself against the table while feeling comes rushing back into my legs. That’s not the only feeling that comes back suddenly—I have to pee so bad I could cry. I glance around, but it’s just Rhea and I left on the plane, so once my blood is moving, I put one foot in front of the other and follow her to the back of the plane. “There’s a bathroom if you need it. The house is still about twenty minutes from here.”
She must have read my mind, and I’m grateful.
The bathroom is connected to the little suite, and the bed back there looks like it would have been much more comfortable. I have a foggy memory of Remy waking me to tell me I could move to the bed, but I was too tired to move.
The relief is immediate, and by the time I’m washing my hands, I feel better already. The fog is clearing and my muscles are recovering. And then I catch my reflection—smudged mascara I don’t even remember putting on, pale face. No wonder Remy remarked on my pallor. At least it looks a little better when I clean up the mascara and splash some water on my face.
Rhea meets me on the other side of the bathroom door with a grin. “Let’s go, slow poke. We’ve got people to do, places to see.”
I blink, trying to make sure I heard her right, and then laugh as she drags me toward the exit.
The sun had been just settling into the sky when we'd gotten on the plane. Now, it’s low like it is getting ready to set. I pause at the top of the steps, blinking in awe at the scene before me. I don't like the feeling of having lost a day of my life, but the unhampered view of the sun against an open horizon backed by green trees in the distance is definitely worth it.
Up until today, the most beautiful place I’ve ever been was definitely Rhea’s home in Cove Harbor, with its forest land and water, small-town charm, and opulence all in one place. But this view puts that to shame. It feels like we’ve just landed in the middle of the jungle. The air all around me vibrates with life, and when I take a deep breath, it’s the sweetest, purest breath I’ve ever taken.
"So, you guys are rich enough that we can just fly into another country, no questions asked?"
