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She nods and looks away.
I’m halfway down the path when I hear my name being called. I turn to see Ariel running – or doing her best in those heels she’s wearing. She’s holding up the hem of her dress and she looks distinctly out of breath.
“Liam,” she says, puffing out a mouthful of air. “There’s something you need to know.”
“What?” I smile at her. “Hey, take a breath or two. We don’t want any fatalities at this party.”
She doesn’t smile back. In fact, she can barely bring herself to look at me. “Ariel? Is everything okay?”
“Sophie’s gone.”
“Huh?” I wrinkle my nose. “What are you talking about?”
“She left. There’s a problem at work she had to get back for.”
“That’s not right. She’s not working this weekend. She’s probably in the cabin.”
Ariel puts her hand on my shoulder. “Liam, she’s gone. She left a note.” She scrambles through the silver purse that’s hanging on a chain from her shoulder. “Here.” She passes me a piece of paper folded into four.
Liam,
I’m so sorry, I have to go. Don’t blame Ariel. This isn’t her fault. I just asked her to cover for me. I’ll explain when… I don’t know. I just need to make things right.
I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.
Sophie
I stare at her words for a moment. It doesn’t even sound like her. “What’s going on?” I ask softly, looking up at Ariel.
She shifts her feet. “She was really upset. Something happened but she wouldn’t tell me what. I wanted to get you but she begged me not to.”
“Why wouldn’t she want me?” I try to ignore the tightness in my chest.
“I don’t know.” Ariel grimaces. “But there is something else I have to tell you.”
I don’t say anything. Just lift a brow. I think she knows I’m getting pissed.
“I’m so sorry, Liam, but I told her about Marie.” She reaches out for my hand. “I didn’t realize she didn’t know about her. I thought…” She trails off, shaking her head. “I opened my mouth and it just came out.”
Fuck. “What did you say?” I ask, my voice gritty. “Tell me exactly.”
“That we never thought you’d love somebody again. But I was so glad you’d found each other. It was good stuff, Liam. Nothing awful. But her face…”
“What about her face?”
“She just looked so upset. And I think she threw up.”
“And you let her drive in that condition?” I thunder, because what the hell is going on here? “You really thought that was a good idea?” I tug at my hair, trying to work out what to do. She could be in a ditch somewhere, hurt or worse. No, I can’t think like that. I pull my phone out but once again when I call her it goes straight to voicemail.
“I’m so sorry. I didn’t want her to go. She made me promise not to tell you. She was so upset. I just wanted to make it all okay.” Her face is crumpled as she looks at me and I feel like a piece of shit.
“It’s okay,” I tell her, putting my hand on her arm. “I know this isn’t your fault. I’m just worried.” That’s an understatement. “How long ago did she leave?”
“About half an hour,” Ariel says, her voice full of misery. “I made sure she hadn’t been drinking. And she seemed a lot calmer once she’d made a plan.” Her eyes meet mine. “She’ll be all right, won’t she?”
“What’s going on?” We both turn to see Myles walking toward us, lit only by the soft glare of the moon. “I heard shouting.”
I feel bad because I never should have shouted at Ariel. “Sophie’s left and gone back to Charleston.”
