Which means Marley is still stuck with me. I can understand why she would be so upset, but I can’t deny that I don’t mind it.
At all.
Her staying here with me makes this all worthwhile, because Lord knows I didn’t want to be here until I saw her.
If it meant taking the couch just to make sure Marley was comfortable, I’d do it without hesitation. Because the truth is,I don’t like seeing her upset. And the thought of her spending this trip stressed or uncomfortable doesn’t sit right with me, especially when this is supposed to be her time to unwind. And especially when I’m part of the reason shecan’tunwind.
I’ve been thinking all morning about how I could have prevented last night’s events. I contemplated all the things I should’ve said, how I should’ve pulled back. But I can’t lie and say that a piece of me was kind of glad that I did that. And I know that sounds selfish, but it meant more time with her.
Marley was in my dreams last night and in my thoughts when I woke up this morning. I woke up feeling heavy with guilt. I also woke up with a crick in my neck from sleeping on that little ass couch. But the weight of what I’ve done affected me more.
The vibration of my phone tears through my thoughts, and I pull it out of my pocket. Before I made a stop at the front desk, I’d been in the gym getting my daily workout in. I look down at my screen and see I have a text from Aven.
AVEN: So did they have to build the plane before they flew you out to Maui???
I let out a soft laugh and shake my head.
OTHELLO: i’m free.
It’s not even seconds later before Aven calls my phone.
“Dude, what the fuck? I thought you were going to call me when you landed.”
“Sorry, it’s been chaotic.”
“In Hawaii? That’s like the land of paradise. What could be chaotic there? Did they lose your luggage?”
Aven is talking fast. Something she always does. And at this moment, I can picture her pacing in her office, wearing herfavorite platform loafers and tossing that globe-shaped stress ball from one hand to the other.
“No, nothing like that. What’s up?” I didn’t feel like giving her all the details, and I probably never would. Aven and I had a professional relationship, so I never told her anything personal about my life.
“Okay, so I finished reading the manuscript.”
“And?” I ask.
“And, it’s powerful,” she says carefully. “Your voice is strong. The poems hit hard. But right now, the collection leans heavy. Anyone reading this is going to walk away thinking anger is the only note you’re playing.”
“That was the headspace I was in. I always write from the heart. You know this.”
“I do. And keep doing that. Just…give me something happy and more gentle. You need to show your readers you have range. Also, I need more pages.Soon. Editors are already asking what you're working on next, and I don't want to lose momentum.”
“I got you.”
“Enjoy Hawaii,” she says, her tone softening. “Let that place inspire you. I’ll call you in a few days.”
“I’ll be waiting.”
“Good. Talk to you soon,” Aven hangs up without a goodbye, and I finally make it to my floor. Stepping out of the elevator, I see Carina standing in front of my door, cradling what looks like a gift basket. My eyes widen in surprise, and my first thought is how the hell did she find my room?
“How did you?—”
“Relax,” Carina states stonily. “I’m not stalking you. My parents booked the rooms. I know where everyone is staying.Duh.”
She rolls her eyes.
Of course.
My shoulders relax. Then I wonder where Marley is and how long Carina has been here.
