Page 83 of The Heartbreak Hotel

“Of course I have, you eejit.” She kissed her, soft and slow, pulling a moan from deep in Ella’s throat. When they parted, both breathless and panting, she cupped her face. “I think I fell for you when I pulled you out of that bramble bush the first time I saw you. You stepped onto the island, and my whole world shifted. Bam.”

Ella kissed her again, struggling to find the words to explain how she was feeling. The hammock rocked with their movement, and Ziggy meowed, swatting Ella’s cheek with his paw.

They laughed, and Riley tightened her grip around Ella, keeping them warm and safe in their own little world. The sun burned bright ahead of them, deep orange and pink hues painting the sky with the promise of new possibilities. The promise of change.

Ella blew out a breath, finding a new sense of determination as she witnessed the stars fade into the awakening dawn. She could do this. She was ready.

* * *

Nerves coiled in Ella’s belly as she took in her reflection. The same brown eyes observed her, but so much about her felt changed. Her long red hair, which she’d dressed half up, half down, in a way that elongated her neck and showed off her cheekbones, shone under the bright lights of her cabin. The marks from Riley were barely visible underneath the makeup, but she traced them with her fingertips anyway. She smiled, watching the lines form in her sun-kissed skin.

She swivelled, making sure there was no toilet paper or any ugly big knickers attached somewhere they shouldn’t be, and then there was a knock at the door.

“Come in,” she called, openly admiring the long forest-green dress that, to quote Winnie, fit her like a motherfucking glove. Winnie had trashed her original choice of outfits, deeming none of them worthy of her graduation, and so they’d visited the market, finding this long-sleeved dress that caressed her curves and exposed just enough of her chest. The material was embroidered with red, orange, and yellow flowers, reminding her of the wildflowers on the island, and she beamed as it glided across her thighs and hips.

She couldn’t wait for Riley to see it.

“Wowsers!” Pauline gasped, standing in the doorway in a red-and-white strappy dress and a red fascinator. “If only I were a few years younger, I’d be over you like a rash.”

Ella snorted, laughter bubbling in her chest. “A few years? More like a few decades.” She turned to Pauline with a wink, noting her soft but not-quite-matching eyeshadow and lipstick. She let out a whistle. “You on the prowl tonight?”

Pauline giggled. “Who knows what might happen if Marco Marcos is willing?”

The image of the hairiest man in existence and her favourite divorcee in a compromising position on his office chair flashed before Ella’s eyelids. She blinked it away. “Whatever tickles your pickle, bestie. You ready?”

Pauline nodded, holding out her arm, and Ella linked it, pulling the door shut behind them.

They walked to the courtyard as the sun sank. The sky was pulled into a deep purple hue, and streaks of white cast heavenly glows around the clouds. Ella squeezed Pauline’s arm tighter as they descended the path, anticipation building with every step. A weight pressed on her, all the expectations and fears and promises making her drag her feet.

Acoustic music carried its way up the hillside, the strings and clapping matching the rhythm of Ella’s heartbeat. Then she saw the courtyard, and her face lit up.

Huge garlands with pink, orange, and blue flowers decorated the entryway, covering the buildings and dangling from the wooden beams. Torches brightened the stone floor, casting warm light and shadows over the people gathered, who were clapping their hands to the lively beat.

A large stone firepit took centre stage, its two rocks curling around the firewood like a pair of grey snakes. The seating was formed from beautifully carved logs ringed around the fire, each one with a basket stacked on either side, filled with bundles of plants, herbs, and flowers.

Strangers congratulated Ella and Pauline as they passed, encouraging them to go stand at the front by the fountain, where the other people on their course waited. Ella scanned the crowd for Riley or Winnie, but the faces were hard to make out in the sparse light of the flickering flames.

Senhor Arenoso stood with his arms wide, the moonlight bright behind him. A large, red-and-black beaded headpiece sat atop his head, white and grey feathers covering the front, with two tufts on either side that Ella realised were the ears of an owl.

He slowly brought his palms together, and the music and clapping fell into a silence that echoed in the space. Pauline and Ella were the last to arrive. It was time to begin.

“Welcome,” he boomed, his gaze falling across the group. He gave them a wide, gleaming smile. “And thank you for joining us as we celebrate the crossing of our latest group on the Sandy Springs course and award them with their spirit totems.

“Life is a powerful, precious gift. It can be easy to forget this as we’re swept up in the everyday, but we must reconnect with our roots, with nature—smell the fresh air, listen to the earth, feel the textures, taste the rain. We need to give thanks for what has been, let go of what no longer serves us, and ask for blessing for what is to come.” His grin grew wider, flames flickering in his dark brown eyes. “So join me as we light the ceremonial fire.”

He led the way through the parted crowd, and they followed, circling around the firepit. Ella’s heart raced, searching for Riley in a gap in the crowd, but she couldn’t see her among all the commotion.

Senhor Arenoso bowed as he was handed a flaming torch from one of the teenage boys.

“Fire is cleansing,” he announced, his voice carrying over the courtyard. “It clears the old and makes way for the new.” He commanded each of them with his gaze, his words echoing in Ella’s chest. “When the fire is alight, I invite each of you to give a gift to the flames. A symbol of your new regeneration as you take the next steps on your path. Some people make a wish. Others state what they’d like to leave behind. Ultimately, you can take and create your own meanings, forge your own purpose, and embrace the night for all that it is. Celebrate your journey with family and friends.” He raised the torch high above his head and let out a joyful laugh. “Celebrate life!”

He lowered the torch to the base of the fire, and bright flames burst skywards, drawing a collective gasp from the crowd. Enthusiastic applause followed, cheers and whoops rising above the sound of the growing fire.

Ella’s eye was drawn to one particularly loud voice, and she smiled when she recognised Winnie. She’d cupped her mouth, tilting her head back to shout a high-pitched “woo” that turned more heads. Ella’s heart swelled with love for her. Even though her decision to come out here probably had a little to do with the lovely weather and the promise of sea, sand, and sex, Ella was so grateful to have a best friend like her. Without her, none of this would’ve happened.

Her group lined up to give their offerings to the flames, each admission bringing another round of applause as they each took their seat by the fire. As they shuffled closer, the orange and yellow light coating every wall and making the shadows dance around them, Ella’s brain short-circuited. What should she wish for? What should she leave behind?

There were too many things. They were piled on top of one another, fighting for space and overcrowding her thoughts like demanding toddlers. She could wish for Maeve’s sleek suit collection to catch fire or Annabelle’s hair to fall out, but she no longer felt the tangle of sadness in her stomach at the thought of them. In stark contrast, she actually—maybe—wanted them to be happy. What was the point in all the suffering otherwise?