ILAY INbed beside Will and tried not to think of what Amir and Emma might be doing at that very moment. Surely, he had simply dropped her off at her parents’ house and then returned, alone, to his hotel room?
And if he hadn’t? If they were in each other’s arms just as Will and I were at that very moment? The jealousy that roared in my chest, lapping at my heart with its searing tongue, was a feeling that I had never experienced. For every stab of jealousy came one of guilt. What right had I to feel jealous? I was engaged to Will. We were getting married in a few weeks.
Unable to lie still, I hurried from the bed to the window. I opened it and breathed in the cold ocean air. The waves offered their usual whispers, and for one moment I was a young girl again at Horseshoe Cliff, alone with my only friend, the sea.
When Will spoke, I started. “Can’t sleep?” he asked. I looked back at him. Our white bedspread seemed to glow in the moonlight.
I nodded.
“It’s a shock, I’m sure. Seeing him again. The relief must be overwhelming.”
“Yes.” My emotions did feel overwhelming. Either I would drown in them, or I would pick a direction and begin to swim.
“Come here.” Will’s voice was gentle. “Leave the window open if you’re hot. I don’t mind.”
He lifted the covers and I crawled into bed beside him.
“Oh, Merrow,” he said, touching my cheek.
It was the first time in nine years I’d let anyone see me cry.
