Chapter 5
The booking confirmation arrived just as Daniel texted.
“She’s lying down now. Don’t read too much into it.”
I saved my flight information and closed the conversation.
Back in my room, I took off the shoes that had rubbed my feet raw, sat at the desk, and opened the trip confirmations.
Tomorrow’s private boat excursion.
The couples massage the following day.
Dinner on the beach for our final night.
I’d booked all of it.
I’d studied his calendar to find five days we could have together.
Now I opened each cancellation policy.
The boat trip was still within the free cancellation window. The massage would cost me part of the deposit.
I submitted the requests, then called the front desk about checking out early.
The receptionist explained that tonight’s room charge was nonrefundable.
“I understand.” I gave her my room number. “I’m leaving tomorrow morning. Please arrange a car to the airport.”
After confirming the pickup time, she asked about the suite.
“Will the guests in the other room be checking out as well?”
I paused.
“Please confirm their plans with them directly.”
After the call, I saved the cancellation receipts and cost breakdowns in one folder.
The charge for the extra room still hadn’t been resolved.
I emailed the manager and asked him to confirm the billing before I left.
Then someone knocked.
Through the peephole, I saw a hotel employee.
“Ma’am, Mr. Daniel asked the kitchen to send this up.”
A slice of chocolate cake sat on the tray.
I didn’t reach for it.
“Thank you, but I don’t want it. Please take it back.”
Shortly after I closed the door, my phone lit up.
“Why didn’t you take the cake?”
“I didn’t want it.”
He sent a sighing emoji.
“You’ll feel better after a good night’s sleep.”
I put my phone facedown and opened my suitcase.
The blue dress was still inside its garment bag.
I’d planned to wear it tonight, but that afternoon, I hadn’t been able to bring myself to take it out.
Now I slipped it off the hanger and folded it.
A corner of my document folder was sticking out of my backpack.
I took out the pregnancy report, checked the date of my next appointment, and tucked it back into the innermost pocket.
I had another checkup when I got home.
This trip wasn’t going to interfere with that, too.
After packing my toiletries, I called my sister.
She answered quickly.
“You found time to call! How’s the island?”
At the sound of her voice, I sat on the edge of the bed.
“I’m coming home tomorrow.”
A brief silence.
“Aren’t you supposed to stay four more nights?”
“Plans changed. Could I stay with you for a few days?”
“Of course.” She paused. “Nora, what happened?”
I looked at my packed suitcase.
“Can I tell you when I get home?”
“Yes. Send me your flight information. I’ll pick you up.”
Before I could answer, she asked another question.
“Are you alone right now?”
“Yes. I’m in my hotel room. The door’s locked.”
“Okay. Call me anytime you need to.”
After we hung up, I sent her the flight details.
Her reply came almost immediately.
“The guest room is yours.”
I read those words and slowly let my shoulders relax.
At ten, the boat cancellation confirmation arrived.
I set my alarm and plugged in my phone.
Another message from Daniel.
“Meet us in the lobby at nine. We’re taking Rachel out to clear her head. She thinks you have a problem with her. This will give you two a chance to talk.”
I didn’t reply.
I checked my airport pickup one more time.
Six in the morning.
Three hours before they expected me in the lobby.