I took the five a.m. flight out of Seattle. I made my way through the airport, grabbed my luggage, and then took a cab to Simon’s hotel. Nerves had taken over as I rode through the city that held memories I didn’t want to revisit. When the driver pulled up to the curb, the valet opened the cab door and fetched my bag from the back.

“Hello. Will you be staying with us?” he politely asked.

“Yes. I’m Gabrielle McCarthy from Young International.”

“Welcome.” He gave a warm smile as he held open the door for me.

When I stepped inside the luxurious lobby, I walked up to the front desk.

“Hello and good day. How may I help you?”

“I’m Gabrielle McCarthy from Young International and I will be staying in Mr. Young’s suite.”

“Does Mr. Young know you’ve arrived?”

“No. I’m his girlfriend and it’s a surprise.”

“I’m sorry, miss, but I can’t grant you access to Mr. Young’s suite without notifying him that you’re here.”

I cocked my head. “Really? Do you think I’m lying or something?”

“Please understand where I’m coming from. You aren’t the only woman who has claimed to be Mr. Young’s girlfriend to get into his suite.”

Was he serious right now? “Okay. I’ll just wait for him elsewhere and you can be sure that I will tell him how you wouldn’t let me, his GIRLFRIEND, in his suite,” I said with a shaking finger.

“I’m really sorry, but I’m only doing my job.”

“Can you at least hold my luggage for me until he comes back?” I asked.

“Of course I can.” He took my luggage and I went and sat down in one of the oversized comfy grey chairs in the lobby.

As I scrolled through my phone, checking emails and messages from the office, I heard a voice. A voice from a distance that I never wanted to hear again. I slowly looked up, and two sets of eyes locked with mine: Simon and Brendon. They both halted, not taking another step as they both stared at me. My heart started to pound out of my chest and I felt sick to my stomach. What the fuck was Simon doing with my ex-boyfriend? I got up from the chair and unsteadily walked over to them.

“Oh shit,” Brendon mumbled.

“Gabrielle, what are you doing here?” Simon asked in shock and, suddenly, a look of fear swept over his face.

“Hey, Gabby,” Brendon said as he put his hands in his pockets and looked down.

“Hey, Gabby?” I spoke in anger at Brendon. “Fuck you!”

Brendon looked over at Simon. “Sorry, man.” He began to walk away. I reached over and grabbed his arm, jerking him back to me.

“What do you mean ‘sorry’? What the fuck is going on here?”