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She stood in the doorway, blocking my way. “Hey,” I said, confused.

“You’re not coming in.”

“What?”

“I saw him there.”

Will.

“I’m not—”

“Yes, you are. I saw the way he was looking at you. I saw the way you looked at him. Michelle, you need to go to him. To tell him the truth.”

“What’s that?” I said, my heart thudding now.

“That you love him.”

I stood there a moment, then I took a breath. “I can’t leave you—”

“341,” she said.

I took in a shaky breath, then it was my turn to run. I ran as fast as I could in the heels I’d put on. I wasn’t used to them. I made it to the stairwell before taking them off. I flung them aside, running down the stairs in my bare feet.

I had to stop and look at one of the little directories—341 was in the third wing. I’d have to run through the lobby first.

Heart pounding, I raced as fast as I could. What if he was gone? What if he’d decided to drive off in the night? What if that was it?

The lobby had even more people milling about, if that was possible. Everyone was laughing, the mood jovial. Once more, I had to slip through all the people, apologizing as I knocked into one and then another. Then, before I knew what was happening, I was standing in front of the waterfall.

So was Joe.

I told you,he said.

Told me what?

That it was time.

Time for what?I said, even though I knew. I knew exactly what he was talking about. He didn’t answer, just smiled. His image flickered in front of me. Only this time, I didn’t reach for him. I didn’t pray he’d stay.

It was time to say goodbye.

I waved at him. “Goodbye, Joe,” I said out loud.

What are you waiting for?He asked.

“For you to go first.”

Stubborn.Then he smiled, lifting his hand up.Goodbye Michelle.

I laughed as my eyes blurred. Then he was gone and I knew exactly where I needed to be.

* * *

The doorto room 341 said Presidential Suite in curly lettering. I pounded on it, but he wasn’t there.

I’d missed him. He’d left—it was too late. I leaned my back against the door, sliding to the ground.

Then I heard the click. I looked up toward the sound. Will stood at the end of the hallway, staring at me. “Michelle,” he said, voice choked.