“Well, maybe you can show me a good time tonight. I’ll be ready to go after a nap and a quick shower.” A little jump from the elevator alerts me that we’ve reached my floor. The doors open, and I continue in the direction of the hallway. I don’t remember my room number.
I stumble back into Ashton, causing him to grip my forearms so I don’t faceplant onto the carpet. Smiling up at him in thanks, I swing my bag around and rifle through it, looking for the little envelope with the plastic card inside of it.
“Found it!” I yell in triumph as I hold the card out for him to see.
He takes it from me and reads the number. “Cormorant suite, very fancy.” His eyebrows raise as he looks me over, like he just noticed my designer clothes and bag.
“I have no idea. My parents booked most of the hotel out for the guests. Did I tell you my brother is getting married? To a lovely girl, or so I think. She’s not someone my parents would pick for him, no money, but she’s quite beautiful.”
“It sounds like you don’t know her well. That’s a little strange.” He ushers me down the carpeted hall toward my room. Muffled voices can be heard through the doors, but the hall is shockingly still. Drunk me can’t comprehend it.
“I don’t go home much. Too many bad memories. I like to travel. You should come with me. We could go to Paris or Milan. Oh, I know! Maybe Tahiti. I’d love to see you in a speedo.”
Chuckling, he gently urges me to lean against the doorway as he slips the keycard into the reader. The double doors open up to a beautiful living area equipped with a couch and a television. I can see my luggage tucked in the corner by the door. Ignoring it, I rush over to the bedroom and plop down on the bed.
“I’m going to leave the keycard on the hall table. I’ll leave my number next to it. There’s a bonfire on the beach tonight, a few of my friends are going. It’d be cool if you come.” He sounds unsure.
Through my haze, I want nothing more than to make plans for later. I can’t be alone tonight.
A large smile stretches on my lips as I lift my head. “I’d love to. Now go before I make you stay with me.”
He chuckles and walks toward the door. “Have a good nap, Bliss. See you later.”
I crawl farther up the bed and grab a pillow. I don’t even have the energy to take off my sandals. Sleep pulls at me, but not before I see her face. My beautiful sister’s face.
CHAPTER THREE
CARSON
“You coming with me? Or driving on your own?” Ashton asks from the doorway. He’s dressed to impress tonight. I wonder who he’s taking with him.
“I’ll take my car. Seems like you’re meeting someone, anyway.” I gesture to his outfit—a crisp button-down with khaki cargo shorts. His long hair is pulled up into a bun on the top of his head.
“She’s hot. You’ll like her.” He winks before he closes the door behind him. Ashton is always picking up a new woman. It’s not unlike him to have a new friend—as he calls them—every couple of days.
I don’t really want to go out, but staying at home is not an option. Ashton noticed my depression early on, and he’s pushed me to be present, to not dwell on my pain. Whether I hate or love him for it, I haven’t decided.
My car—a beautiful silver Mercedes C Class convertible with black leather interior—is the only thing I’ve kept from my old life. My brother bought it for me when I turned eighteen. It might be an older model now, but I’ll never get rid of it.
Eli’s picture still rests on the dash, that smiling face staring at me and giving me the strength to carry on. We were close, practically inseparable. With only an eleven-month age difference, we were basically twins. There wasn’t much that could hold us apart . . . except death.
The drive to the cove where everyone is meeting is smooth. The cool night air brushes my face as I drive with the top down. Stars shine above me as I twist and turn down the road. It’s a gorgeous night.
Ten minutes later, I’m pulling up to the beach. A bunch of cars are parked already, some headlights on to illuminate the partygoers on the sand. Other have the tailgates open and coolers of beer set out.
The huge blaze of the bonfire almost touches the sky. The smell of burned firewood permeates the air, and I inhale deeply. One of the benefits of not living in the city anymore is the little things like the warmth of a fire on a crisp evening.
I see a few people I know as I make my way down the sand. I wave but don’t stop. They know not to make conversation with me. I’m a bore to talk to. If it weren’t for Ashton and Mather, I’d talk to no one.
“Carson!” Ashton’s voice has people turning and looking at me as he stops what he’s doing and makes his way over to me, beer in hand.
“Hey,” I say, accepting the second bottle stashed in the pocket of his cargo shorts.
“You ready to party? I’m really feeling it tonight. I think it’s gonna be amazing,” he says, glancing around the fire like he’s looking for someone.
“I’m going to have a couple of beers, sit by the fire, and head home. My job as outgoing citizen will be recorded for the week and everyone will be happy.” I smirk as I tip the bottle to my lips and take a swig of the hoppy notes.
“Stop being such a bore, you’re in the prime of your life! It’s the
