Page 21 of Matched with Her Runaway Groom

“Rachelle?” I say out loud, and Dani only glances up for a moment before focusing back on my phone.

The woman turns and I see she’s definitely not my Rachelle.

Okay, she’s not my Rachelle. Not yet anyway. I can only hope I’ll be able to make up for her pain over the past year. I’m just not sure where to start.

“What are you doing?” I ask, glancing back at Dani.

“I’m filling in the information for you, since I know you won’t do it.” She’s tapping away and I lean back against the wall, staring out into the horizon.

Guilt takes over. I shouldn’t be here without Rachelle. “I’m going to go get my bags,” I say, and it’s the first time Dani has acknowledged me in several minutes.

She grabs my arm and pulls me to a stop. “I’m not leaving, which means you don’t get to leave either.”

“Dani, she’ll never forgive me for going on a cruise without her. That was supposed to be our thing.”

She raises her eyebrows and says, “What if she’s already gone on one without you? Don’t jeopardize your job right now and then tell her you had to go for work. To be honest, I don’t think she’ll care.”

“What do you mean?”

With a shrug, Dani says, “I’m just saying it’s a long shot to get her back, bro. But if she, by chance, takes you back, I doubt whether you’ve gone on a cruise without her is going to be the deal-breaker.”

Dani has a point, but I don’t like it. Am I just cutting off all the chances I have to be with Rachelle again?

“Fine, I’ll stay, but I probably won’t be happy about it.”

With a shrug, Dani says, “Okay. I’ll be happy for the both of us because this trip is going to be epic.”

I doubt that.

CHAPTER8

Rachelle

Tiffany and I sit on a lounge chair for what seems like forever by the time we’re notified our room is ready. I needed the quick nap after staying up late doing laundry and packing, and Tiffany didn’t put up a fight, which is odd for her. The nap isn’t long, but it’s something.

“You look like you’ve been hit by a bus, Tiff.” She looks tired and while I’m feeling worn out, it’s like someone drained all the energy from her.

Tiffany gives me a small smile and says, “That’s just what a girl wants to hear when she’s been so gracious to accept your invitation for a cruise.”

I laugh and grab a bag from Tiffany as we make our way toward the cabins. “Well, I’m just going to point out that you were practically bouncing off the walls when I invited you.”

Tiffany shrugs. “Who am I to give up a beach vacation?”

“Will Drew survive without you?”

“Of course he will. A large pipe burst in one of the apartment buildings, so he’ll be draining water for at least half of our trip and then fixing and replacing everything for the rest.” Tiffany takes a deep breath and says, “I don’t know if I’ll survive without him, though.”

I reach out and grab her shoulder, turning her to face me. “Hey, are you okay? It’s been forever since I’ve seen you cry.”

“It’s just, we haven’t been married very long and I love the guy.” She wipes her nose with the back of her hand. “Sorry, this will be the last of my tears and pining for my husband. This trip is all about Rachelle Stewart conquering the past and heading toward a bright new future.”

I give her a small smile and nod. “I like the sound of that. Because I got fired yesterday. Well, technically, I quit right after Ike mentioned he was firing me. So preemptive quitting.”

Tiffany drapes her arms around me, pulling me in for a hug. “I’m sorry, Rachelle. Then again, it might be the final push to getting you where you want to be career-wise.”

“And where is that?” I ask, pulling back so I can see her face.

“Somewhere that uses your amazing talents rather than smothering them.”

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