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What if Rhia is really here? For the first time since Ethan dropped that bombshell, I allow that possibility to be real. My eyes well up and anticipation strums through my veins, making me feel dizzy.
My mind is so preoccupied, I don’t notice we’ve already arrived at the hotel. It’s small and cozy in the typical alpine build with wooden balconies on each level. Flowers spill over the edge, giving it a welcoming and warm appearance.
We pass the empty reception desk and go up two sets of stairs. I clutch my hand to my chest, tapping it slowly as if this could soothe my racing heart. I’m tingling all over.
We walk down a small corridor, and Ethan knocks on a door in some sort of code.
There is a coded knock from the other side of the door, then Ethan gives a different knock. The door opens.
My whole body sways, and I grab the door frame to steady myself, my vision blurring for a second.
Holy shit!
Chapter Thirty-Three
Ella
Lexisstandingthere,and the sight of him makes my heart jump.
Heisreally here… they are really here.
Lex steps aside, and Rhia comes into view.
The lump in my throat is too big to swallow as I stand frozen and stare at my best friend, complete emotional overload about to erupt.
Boom.
All the stress of the past weeks explodes in one hell of a dam burst.
The tears streaming from my eyes can’t be stopped. I can’t see her through all my crying, but I hear her sob too.
The blurry figure ahead opens her arms and rushes forward. I close the last few feet of distance between us and launch myself into my best friend’s arms. They wrap around me tightly, and I hold on.
I can’t stop the tears. They flow like a torrent. For the first time in weeks, I let go of all the tension I’ve held inside. I didn’t realize just how tightly wound up I’ve been.
I know this respite won’t last given the mess I’m in, but for right now, right here, I can breathe.
Long minutes pass as Rhia and I are standing there, holding each other, sobbing into one another’s shoulders. When we finally break apart, she takes my face into her hands, and my teary eyes meet hers.
There’s so much love for me there.
It’s enough to replenish the torrent of tears again. She pulls me close and just holds me, whispering, “I’m so sorry, El. I’m so sorry.”
Why is she sorry? I want to ask, but I’m so overcome with relief at seeing her, I have lost the ability to speak.
She drags me to a lounge, and we sit down. Lex hands me a glass of water. I take a sip, but the lump in my throat still doesn’t want to budge.
“Rhia,” I croak. “How? How are you here?”
“Oh El, I’m so, so sorry.”
“Stop saying you’re sorry. Why would you be sorry?”
“Because if it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t be in this mess. You were right about Gualtiero from the start. You didn’t want to go out with him, but I made you. I’m so sorry.” Tears are streaming down her face again.
“No, Rhia. You can’t blame yourself. None of us knew what would happen—”
“But your gut told you to stay away. It was right. I steamrolled you into this,” she interrupts.
