This is a nightmare. An actual nightmare.
I lie back against the marbled vanity and take a shaky breath, feeling the ship rock beneath me. I’ve got to get used to that.
When I manage to stand, I collapse onto the queen-sized bed and stare at the ceiling.
How am I supposed to get over everything when everything is right here?
The room rocks gently beneath me, and every sway feels like the universe is laughing at me.
I came on this trip to breathe, not to be trapped in a floating hotel with my ex-boyfriend in the room next door.
I press the heels of my hands into my eyes, trying to force the tears back where they came from.
This is exactly why I left. Zach doesn’t understand the concept of space or boundaries.
I let out a frustrated groan and sit up too fast, immediately regretting it when the ship tilts again.
My phone buzzes in my pocket, so I pull it out.
Olivia:Have you boarded yet? Tell me everything.
I stare at the message, rereading it as suspicion slowly crawls up my spine. My eyes narrow. Olivia had been way too insistent that I “needed this trip.” She pushed me even when I said I didn’t want to go alone.
Did she—did sheknowI wouldn’t be alone?
Oh, that sneaky little bitch.
I hit the call on her contact before I can talk myself out of it.
She answers on the second ring. “Honey! How's the—”
“You gave Zach your ticket?” I cut her off, not letting her get away with this.
Silence.
“Liv?”
“Z-Zach? Is he there?” her voice rises with mock surprise.
“Oh, don’t you dare play innocent. I know you were involved. He’s staying inyourroom.”
“Is he—” she starts before stopping herself. Then she makes this little whiny noise. The same noise she makes when she’s been caught in a lie. I knew it.
“I’m sorry!” she blurts out.
“So youdiddo it?”
“Yes.” Her voice is quieter now.
“I can’t believe you.” I shake my head, on the edge of tears. “Why would you do that to me?”
“Because you’re miserable, Honey. I’ve only ever seen you smile with Zach, and after everything that went down at the wedding, we all really think you need to work things out. At least talk things through instead of just running all the time.”
“Wait a minute. What do you meanwe?Who else is in on it?”
“Uh, not too many people. Just Mike, Madison, Reese, and Tiff. We’re all pro-Zoneycomb.”
“Zoneycomb?”
