River is standing stiffly by the door, his face hard as stone. He shifts his gaze between me and Sebastian, tension radiating from him.
Does he know? Did Sebastian say something to him about us?
Quick as lightning my own words come back to me—the words I said to Sebastian after we finished what I wish with all my heart I could take back.
I’m in love with someone else, Sebastian. I’ve fallen hard. I never meant to. I came here for... Oh, that’s not even important right now. But I’ve fallen in love. And I’m afraid my feelings aren’t returned. I thought I could drown in you, at least for a bit. But it didn’t work. You were wonderful, and it was lovely, but now all I feel is bloody guilt.
“Sebastian,” I say calmly. “This isn’t a good time.”
Sebastian rakes his gaze over both of us. “I know a ‘just-fucked’ look when I see one,” he says. “And the two of you are wearing it like a second skin. I hope he was good, Emily.” He gazes at River. “So you’re the lucky bastard.”
My heart thuds painfully. I glance at River, but his stoic expression gives nothing away. Is he putting together the pieces? Does he see what’s before him?
Does he care?
I step forward. “Sebastian, you need to leave.”
“It’s my suite,” River says. “Maybe I want him to stay.”
I drop my jaw. “Damn you!” I lunge at Sebastian. “How could you?”
Sebastian wiggles out of my grasp easily. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t say anything.”
“Then leave.” I push him out the door. “Please.”
“Fine, fine.” He looks to River. “You and I need to parlay as soon as possible. It’s about Alex’s bachelor party tonight. Among other things...”
Once he’s gone and the door is closed, I turn back to River.
He doesn’t look happy.
His jaw is tight, eyes dark and unreadable, like he’s holding back rage or disappointment, maybe both. Whatever it is, it’s not forgiveness.
Not even close.
EPISODE 217
TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS
Brett
River walked back toward the house, leaving me standing alone under the sun, with nothing but the scent of jasmine, the sound of waves, and the ghost of a man I never stopped loving.
The same ghost River just resurrected.
Jake.
I whisper his name in my head like a prayer and a curse, like it still has power over me after all these years.
Because it does.
Twenty years, and my heart still folds in on itself at the thought of him.
But he never knew. No one did.
Back then, I was the best friend. The leader of our group. The creator of our mischief.
All while I swallowed my own secret.
