Page 152 of Reconciling With the Rival

He’d do anything for the girl, and that’s how I know the two of them will live a long and beautiful life together.

“So, I know this trip is supposed to be about me, but I think we should make a toast to the book club,” Paige says. “We should have a little drink before dinner.”

“Yeah, that’s a good idea,” I say, walking to the main area of the hotel room, only to find the champagnenoton ice. I poke my head back into the room. “How about we drink while we get ready? That should give it time to get cold.”

“Shit, did I forget to grab ice?” Hads asks me.

“It’s fine, babe,” I tell her. “I’ll run and grab some. You three stay put and throw some music on or something. I’ll be right back, and then we’re all getting dressed and looking hot to meet the boys at dinner, okay?”

“It feels like college all over again,” Ames says, her voice low. “Except now, you’re getting married.”

Paige grabs her hand, squeezing it. “It’ll be okay, Ames. We have plenty of time to catch up.”

“We have our entire lives together, you psychos. Stop making me want to cry,” Hads jokes, and I laugh.

“I’ll be two seconds,” I say as I grab the ice bucket from the counter and grab my key to leave.

“Ella!” someone shouts, and I run back to the bedroom.

“What? Are you guys okay?”

Paige eyes me curiously. “Room key?” she questions, and I can’t believe I almost forgot to show it to her before I left. It’s something we always do when we stay places so we don’t get locked out of our room. You can never be too careful.

I lift it up, showing all three of them before she nods at me. “Good.”

“You know we can just open the door for her,” Ames says.

“I know, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. What if there was a serial killer staying on this floor?” Paige asks, entirely serious.

Hads only sighs as she runs a hand down her face. “That would only happen toyou of all people, Paige.”

“I’m not an idiot. I would obviously throw a bunch of ice at this person and book it the fuck out of there,” I say as I leave the room and head to the ice machine near the lobby.

I could have gone to the one on our floor, but I want to grab something sweet for all the girls. There’s truly nothing better in life than eating a sweet treat, drinking, and listening to music while you get ready with all your friends.

The elevator dings, and I grab the things I need before I fill the ice bucket for our champagne. Then, I head back to the elevator, finding some guy standing in front of it, though he hasn't pressed the button.

I sigh heavily before I press it, holding all my shit in my hands as I do, and when the candy I bought falls from my arms, the robot next to me finally moves to help.

“Shit, I’m so sorry. I’m kind of in a weird fog—”

A familiar face meets mine, and he has to recognize me, because his entire face drops in surprise.

“Henry?”

He looks exactly the same as he did back in college, just older. He has the same wire-framed glasses and build. His face looks exactly like it did when Amelia left him standing in the airport after breaking his heart.

“Hey, Ella.” He rubs his hands on his shorts, clearly nervous. “I’m sorry I didn't press the button. I feel…weird.”

“What are you doing here?” I ask, curious as to how he ended up where Paige and Oliver’s wedding is taking place.

“Oliver invited me,” he says, the elevator opening, his arm in front of him, as if he’s telling me to go ahead. “Ladies first.”

“Thanks,” I say, confused as to what the fuck he’s doing here. I might have to have a chat with Oliver, because what the fuck was he thinking? He knew Amelia was going to be here, didn't he?

What the actual fuck is going on?

“What floor?” he asks me, the button for ten already pushed.

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