“Probably today. There’s no reason for me to stick around and I have some stuff at home to do.”

“You can hang with us.”

“Three girls and a guy. Actually, that would be any man’s dream.” He winked. “But you go and enjoy the rest of your trip. I’ll see you when you get back to Seattle.”

His aloof attitude bothered me. “Okay. Well, I’m going to head back to my room now,” I said as I got up from the chair and picked up my clothes, which were scattered on the floor. “Thanks again for our little talk.”

“It was my pleasure, Gabrielle. I’ll see you back in Seattle.”

“Have a safe flight back.” A small smile escaped my lips.

I pushed the elevator button and waited for the doors to open. I was hurting and I shouldn’t have been. My heart was breaking all over again because I missed him so much. It was my choice to be friends and end our relationship. He was now dating someone else and I could never let what happened last night happen again.

****

We, or I should say, they, enjoyed the rest of the trip and I couldn’t get home fast enough. I had to be back to work by ten Monday morning. Before leaving the hotel, I gave the money I won back to the casino manager, who also happened to be one of the men that held me until Simon arrived. He apologized to me but said he was following orders. I told him it was okay and that I understood. When I arrived home, I unpacked my suitcase and climbed in bed. Giana and Donovan had plenty of catching up to do. I was secretly wishing I could do some catching up with Simon. As I lay in bed, I pulled up the pictures of Simon and that beautiful woman. There were more pictures posted. One of them facing the camera, dancing, laughing, and sitting down at a table together with drinks in their hands. I was so ashamed for what I had done.

The next morning, I awoke at six o’clock and decided to go for a run before work. I put my earphones in my ears and ran down along the waterfront. My stomach did a flip when I saw Simon running towards me.

“Hey. How was your trip?” He was out of breath.

“It was good.” I took one earphone from my ear.

“Good. Are you getting excited for the party this coming weekend?”

“Yeah. I am. It’ll be great and, by the way, I gave back the money.”

“I know. Bart called and told me. Anyway, I need to get going. I’m meeting someone for breakfast.”

“Okay. Enjoy, and it was good to see you,” I said with a fake smile.