Page 98 of Save Me
“I didn’t throw anything away. I know where my priorities are. You should reevaluate yours. When was the last time you saw family? Or went out with a friend?” I drop my voice. “Or didn’t choose your fucks based on who’s most convenient?”
Her eyes flash with anger.
But I didn’t come here to argue with her. “My other golden ticket guests are on their way. I hope you’ll show them the same courtesy.” I slide on my sunglasses.
Belinda hums. “The ex-girlfriend.”
“And her friends, for a bachelorette party. Oh, perfect. Here they are.” I nod toward the approaching white limo. The sooner I can be done here, the sooner I can see Sloane again.
Everything after that … we’ll figure out.
The girls spill out in a fit of laughter but are quickly distracted by the hotel’s grandeur and a nearby tray of mimosas.
“At least they’ll photograph well for the hotel. If they can stay sober enough.” Belinda strolls forward to greet them.
“Ronan!” Carrie rushes in and ropes her arms around my neck, nearly choking me. If I had to guess, she’s had a few cocktails on the flight down.
With a chuckle, I peel her off. She looks the same as she did the last time I saw her. “Congratulations.” I tug on the bride sash hanging crookedly over her torso. Tasha and two girls I don’t recognize wear ones marking them as bridesmaids.
“Thank you!” she squeals. “Did you ever meet Hank?”
“Doesn’t ring a bell.”
“He went to Grayson High too, but he was a few years older. He played football. Wait, did you play football? You guys would have gotten along. Well, maybe you still will! God, you look good.” She pauses in her mile-a-minute rambling to ogle my face first before she moves on to my body. “Tasha has been talking nonstop about you since you guys reconnected. It makes me so happy. Honestly, she was such an idiot for breaking up with you. I tell her that every day?—”
“Okay!” Tasha rushes in, grabbing Carrie by the biceps and gently guiding her to face the hotel entrance. “Follow them so we can get checked in to our rooms. I’ll be there in a second.”
“Okey dokey. See you later, Ronan.” She skitters away.
“Oh my God, I’m so sorry.” Tasha hides her face under her palms for a beat. “We got no sleep last night and started the party early.”
“Give her some water. You don’t want to miss dinner tonight. It’ll be one of the best meals you’ve ever had.” I can give Wolf credit for that much, at least.
“I don’t doubt it. This place is even more incredible than the pictures.” Her eyes trail up the storied facade. “You’ll have to take me for a tour. When are you going to be done for the day?”
“Actually, I don’t work here anymore.”
Her jaw drops with shock. “What?”
“Yeah, as of this morning.”
“Seriously?” She pouts. “What happened?”
“It’s a long story. Don’t worry, it’s all good. But I’m losing the house. I’m on my way there now to pack up my shit. Which means I don’t have a place for you to crash this weekend.” I wince with apology. “Sorry.”
“Oh, right. Of course. Don’t worry about it. I’ll figure something out. But what areyougoing to do?”
Perfect segue … “Crash at my girlfriend’s until I can figure out my next move.”
Tasha’s mouth makes an “oh” shape. “That’s—a relief, that you have a place, I mean.” But the disappointment in her eyes says otherwise. “Does she live around here?”
“Yeah, right next door.”
“Nice.” Her head bobs slowly. “Has it been long? I mean, did you know her before you moved here?”
“No, I met her when I got here.”
“So, it’s still new.”
