Page 70 of The Heartbreak Hotel

She pulled her up and set her on her feet. Ella smiled when she didn’t move her hands away. The time apart must have done them some good.

“I’m sorry about what happened with Pauline.” The words burst from her throat like gunfire. “I had a really nice talk with her, and we’re all good, and I just don’t want anything to come between me and you, ever. Which I know is a bold statement considering I’m leaving in less than a week. But it’s true. I really like you, Riley.”

Riley gave her a dimpled grin, her hands tight on her waist. Paint licked up her arms with a small spatter on her jaw. “I really like you too, Ella.”

Looking into Riley’s eyes, Ella felt buoyed by the gentle waves, swallowed in the blue depths. Caught in the swirl of blue, brown, and green, she could quite happily drown.

But the next words left Riley’s mouth, and a cold wave crashed over her.

“But there’s something I need to tell you.”

Riley’s mouth had lost its smile, her eyes abandoned their sparkle. All the lead weight in Ella’s chest returned, almost buckling her knees.

She hated those words. Those words never bore good news, especially not when they began with “but”, the worst conjunction in the English language.

It was lovely to meet you, but unfortunately, you’re not a match for our company.

I love spending time with you, but I think we should just be friends.

I love you, Ella, but sometimes things happen. You know Annabelle, the receptionist…

She steeled herself, stiffening in Riley’s grip. Her defensive walls twitched, ready to spring into action, pack the cannons and get ready to fire. But she steadied her breath and waited for Riley to continue.

“I should’ve told you earlier, but it’s really difficult for me to say.”

Ella’s stomach dropped. Please don’t be married. But when Riley’s eyes filled with tears, she softened, caressing her cheek.

Riley leaned into the touch, breathing deeply, and then her eyelids fluttered open.

Ella thought she was going to be sick.

“Four years ago, a car accident changed my life.” Riley blew out a sharp breath, her voice wobbling. “Me and my ex were leaving her parents’ house. The country roads were challenging at the best of times, never mind in the dark, but Elodie knew them like the back of her hand.

“Then someone tried to overtake us, but the cars came together, flying through a wall and crashing in a farmer’s field.” Tears fell down Riley’s cheeks. Ella brushed them away with her fingertips, her chest tightening at the pain in her voice.

“The crash…was horrific. Luckily, all we came away with were a broken bone, scrapes, and bruises. But the other car…they weren’t so lucky.”

“Oh god.” Ella held Riley tighter while she collected herself.

“The driver was fine, but the passenger… The kid was only ten. The way the car folded trapped him in his seat, and he had to have his leg amputated. I can still hear the screams, the sounds, every year.”

“Riley, I’m so sorry.” With the slightest tug, Riley collapsed into Ella, knocking her hat onto the ground. She wound her arms around her.

“That one moment changed everything.” She sniffed. “My whole life. Everything. I lost everything.”

She buried herself into Ella and let the tears fall. Ella held her tight as a soft sea breeze fluttered around them. She didn’t know how much time passed until Riley pulled back.

“Do you want me to take you home?” Ella asked.

Riley rubbed her red nose, her skin blotchy from crying. She pressed her knuckles to her eyes. “God. I don’t want anybody to see me like this.”

“Here.” Ella plucked her hat up off the ground and placed it on Riley’s head. She let out a soft laugh; it didn’t suit her, but it’d do the job. Then she covered Riley’s painting with the sheet, careful not to look at it, and packed her paints into her bag for her.

They walked back to the cabin mostly in silence, other than Riley’s directions to avoid the busier path. Riley’s quiet sobs filled the air occasionally, and Ella gave her hand a quick squeeze.

Once back inside the walls of her cabin, Ella caught sight of the two canvases Riley had propped up on the bookcase. The day in the groves came swirling around her. It had felt like a milestone in their relationship: opening up, spending time together, feeling somewhat normal. The fact Riley had displayed the two paintings side-by-side, one a masterpiece and one a blotchy mess, squeezed something deep inside her. That day must’ve meant something to her too. It gave her hope.

But then Riley let out another heartfelt sob, and Ella brought her into her arms, rocking her as she nestled into the crook of her neck. This wasn’t how she’d expected their encounter to go. Her heart hurt for the woman weeping in her arms, but she had more questions.