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“Oh, Maddie…” The lump in my throat grows larger. “Please don’t push me on this. My heart’s not in it. All you need to know is that I’m okay, and I’m coming back right now.”
“Brianna…”
“Please, Maddie. I’ll tell you everything when I’m ready. Just please… Don’t push this right now.” I choke back a sob. “I just can’t.”
“Oh my God. Are you crying?”
“No,” I lie. “I’ll be back in a moment.”
I get my clothes on, go into the bathroom, wash my face, getting rid of the raccoon eyes leftover from my mascara. I don’t bother fixing my makeup after I wash it off because I don’t really care. I run a comb through my hair. I’ll take a shower in my own room, where all my products are.
I leave the bathroom, the bedroom, and the suite. I gaze back into the large living area before I close the door for good.
Somehow I get to the elevator and push the right button to take me to the floor where Maddie and I have a room.
I slowly shamble to the room and get the key card to unlock the door with a click.
When I walk in, Maddie grabs me, hugging me. “Don’t ever do that to me again.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t.”
She doesn’t know how true my words are, because if her brother doesn’t want me, I don’t want anyone else.
I’m only twenty-two. Chances are I’ll meet someone else eventually. But right now, I imagine myself as a spinster living on the ranch, working alongside my father…for the rest of my life.
I convinced Maddie to continue her sightseeing plans with Brock, Callie, and Donny this morning. I convinced her to tell them that I was a little nauseated from something I ate last night. I stayed back in the room, took a shower, and then sat around feeling miserable.
They pick me up at lunchtime.
“You feeling better?” Maddie asks.
“Hey, sis.” Donny says. “I’m sorry you ate something bad.”
“Yeah, I’m fine now, though.”
Maddie gives me a sympathetic gaze.
She wouldn’t tell any of them that I was gone all night. I know I can trust her to be discreet and keep my secrets.
We end up at a small sandwich shop for lunch, where I order a curried chicken sandwich called coronation chicken. The bread is white and moist, but it tastes dry like sawdust against my tongue.
I have to snap out of this. We’re going to afternoon tea to meet Ennis Ainsley. I force my lips to curve into a smile.
I gather all my strength to engage in the conversation among the rest of our party.
By the end of the meal, after my sandwich—which turned out to be delicious—and a lot of water, I feel somewhat better.
Not great, but I’ll deal.
We walk around London for the next hour until it’s time for tea. Because of our time constraint, Brock suggests the Tower Bridge, a suspension bridge that crosses the River Thames. It’s striking—two towers are connected by a walkway and drawbridge.
The Tower of London and St. Katharine Docks are nearby, but unfortunately we don’t have the time to visit them today. We admire the majestic bridge and take lots of photos. Then we take a cab to Ennis Ainsley’s house.
We’re on the outskirts of London, near the countryside. The house is a gorgeous stone mansion, and I wish Diana were here to see it. It’s stately, with an imposing facade and meticulous architectural details—including majestic columns and arched windows—that she would appreciate. The gray stone appears to be granite, though I can’t tell for sure. The expansive grounds are beautifully landscaped and feature lush gardens, a manicured lawn, and a cobblestone driveway leading to the main entrance.
“Wow.” Maddie’s eyes go wide.
“Yeah, our family paid Ennis really well,” Brock says. “Rory and I were amazed at this place when we came. Wait until you meet his British butler, Havisham.”
