Chapter 2

Luke's question followed me into the elevator.

"You remember Gabriel," I said without turning around.

"That isn't what I asked."

The doors opened. I stepped inside, but Luke caught them with one hand and came in after me.

"Why is he telling you to choose yourself?"

"Because he offered me the place at Cedar Bay again."

Luke stared at me, then gave a short laugh. "You're not going."

"I already said yes."

"Because I thanked Elise?"

"Because you humiliated me with words I wrote for you, then defended her when she admitted you spent last night in her hotel room."

"We were rehearsing."

"Until after two?"

His jaw tightened. "Nothing happened."

"You could've told me where you were."

"I knew you'd react like this."

The elevator doors opened into the lobby. Elise stood beside Luke's coat, waiting for him.

Her gaze moved between us. "Is everything okay?"

"No," I said.

Luke took his coat from her. "It will be."

I took a cab home alone.

By the time Luke arrived, my suitcase was open on the bed.

Elise came in behind him carrying an overnight bag.

I looked from the bag to Luke. "Why is she here?"

"She checked out this morning, and she's had too much champagne," he said. "I'm not sending her home alone."

"She was sober enough to follow me into the restroom."

Elise hugged the bag to her chest. "I can leave."

"No," Luke said at once. "You're staying."

Elise lowered her eyes, hiding a satisfied little smile.

I went back to packing.

"Mara, stop," Luke said. "We'll talk in the morning."

"I'll be gone in the morning."

He moved closer. "You're throwing away twelve years over one speech."

"You gave those twelve years to her in front of a room full of people."

"It was an award speech, not a marriage vow."

"Then why did it feel more honest than anything you've said to me in years?"

He had no answer.

Elise stepped forward. "Mara, I never wanted your place."

I looked at the overnight bag in her hand. "You brought luggage into my bedroom while saying that."

"The guest room," Luke corrected.

"Of course. We wouldn't want Elise to feel unwelcome."

Luke exhaled sharply. "This sarcasm isn't helping."

"It isn't supposed to help you."

I opened the drawer where I kept my passport. As I took it out, I noticed the empty space beside the jewelry box.

"Where's my bracelet?"

Luke frowned. "What bracelet?"

"The anniversary bracelet. I gave it to you when the clasp broke."

"I gave it back."

"No, you didn't."

"Then you misplaced it." His voice hardened. "Don't turn that into another accusation."

Elise looked away.

The movement was small, but I saw it.

Before I could question her, Luke reached for the clothes in my suitcase. I caught his wrist.

"Don't."

"You're upset. Fine. Sleep on it."

"I've spent twelve years sleeping on things you didn't want to face."

I released him and zipped the suitcase.

Gabriel called as I carried it into the hall.

"I got your message," he said. "I'll meet you at the station. Eight o'clock."

"Thank you."

"Do you need help before then?"

I looked at Luke. "No. I can leave on my own."

Luke waited until I ended the call.

"So that's what this is," he said. "Gabriel makes an offer, and suddenly you're ready to abandon me."

"You abandoned me on that stage."

"I thanked a friend."

Elise appeared in the hallway wearing one of Luke's old sweatshirts. "Maybe everyone should calm down."

Luke glanced at her bare legs, then back at me. "She was cold."

I almost laughed.

Instead, I placed my train confirmation on the entry table while I put on my coat.

Luke picked it up.

His face changed when he saw the destination and the words ONE WAY.

"You're serious."

"I have been serious all night."

He folded the paper slowly, his eyes fixed on mine.

"You're not getting on that train with Gabriel."