“Then definitely don’t.”
“It’s a good one.”
“Julia,” I sigh, falling back against my seat. By the look on her face, she won’t be deterred. “Fine, go on.”Torture me.
“Maddie’s plane hasn’t left yet.”
A lump forms in my throat. I look away. “What is that to me, Julia?”
She huffs. “You and Maddie are the most stubborn—”
My eyes meet hers and she presses out a smile.
“Sorry. Just got ahead of myself there.” She clears my throat. “All I’m saying is… the plane leaves by noon so you’ve got”—she glances at her watch—“two hours to get to her.”
I keep my gaze steady, not betraying the hope building in my chest.
“If you want to get her back.” She shrugs. “As an employee, of course.”
I ignore her snarky tone and focus on the message—get Maddie back. Can I? If I show up at the airport, would she accept me? Last night, she was pretty clear she was done. And today, she left without even saying a final goodbye.
If that’s not a clear message, I don’t know what is.
“I’ve heard you, Julia.” I look down at my laptop. “You can get back to work.”
I lift my gaze in time to see her aghast look, and how she stomps out.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Maddie
I’m sitting in the lounge next to other excited travelers. I don’t mean to eavesdrop but it’s hard not to catch their excited conversation. They relive their experiences on Magic Island and promise to come back sometime in the future.
Me? I sink lower in my seat and pray to all that’s good and holy that the plane takes off soon. I want out of here.
Everything in me is itching to be back at the office. Or at the villa. Anywhere but at the airport. In only three weeks, I’ve grown attached to the Island.
My mind flashes to all the people I’ve met and become friends with. But the one that wrenches me the most is Chance.
I’m still teary-eyed from last night’s dinner. I dab my face and hope no one notices.
I’m a grown woman. I shouldn’t be crying over a man I know isn’t available. But I can’t help it. He made his choice, and I made mine.
It’s over for us.
But I don’t want it to be. My heart squeezes with a persistent ache. I should have gone to the office to say a last goodbye. Even though the relationship was a sham, he was a great boss. He was a great man.
I just can’t stand seeing him and not being able to touch him.
I suck in a breath and push it out. It’s still an hour till boarding.
Fuck.
“Maddie?”
I sit up, sure I’m imagining the sound of my name.
“Maddie!”
