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I’m taken aback by her words. She’s right, but I wouldn’t do this for just anyone.

I clear my throat, unsure of what to say. “Yeah, well, I have a sister, so I would hope someone would look after her in thisstate.” It’s not a lie, but it’s not why I am here. She smiles in understanding, tapping the door frame with her fingers before leaving.

My eyes fall to Gabriella, sleeping soundly, curled up on the edge of the bed. I crouch down so my face is close to hers and press another light kiss to her forehead while I whisper, “Night,Mia Cara. Sweet dreams.”

Chapter Seven

Gabriella

Regrets. I have many of them, and last night is up there with them. I got myself in a state and vomited in front of Brad. Lord, just take me now. It’s all over for me. I can’t look him in the eye today. I only drink around people I feel safe with, and I feel safe with him. Far safer than I probably should. I shouldn’t have put that on him. I’m a grown ass woman, and yet I drink like a fifteen-year-old at prom. I stare back at my pale complexion and my messed-up ponytail in the bathroom mirror and rub a hand down my face, wiping last night’s mascara away with my fingertips.

I splash cold water on my face and brush my teeth twice, the stale taste of alcohol and vomit still very much in my mouth, and I decide a trip to the gym will sort me out. Needing to wash the regret away, I hop in the shower and scrub myself clean. Doesshowering before the gym make sense? Not really. But I need to feel clean. Fitness is my life. Dancing, running, or Pilates have been my escape. For those minutes, I am free. I don’t hear or feel anything other than the burn in my body. It’s the only time my mind feels empty. I just let myself be and get lost in it. I exit the shower, drying myself off with the softest cotton towel I have ever used. I leave the bathroom and I tiptoe past Ali’s bedroom, careful not to wake her and Kate, but I hear my name.

“Gabs… are you alive?” Ali’s voice echoes. I chuckle to myself and turn to enter her bedroom. Ali is sat up in bed, hair all over the place, trying to focus her gaze on me through one squinted eye. Kate lies beside her, face down, making a noise that sounds like a wounded animal.

“I’m alive… are you two?” I giggle, pointing between them.

“I’m okay. I think Kate might need an IV.” Ali yawns.

Kate rolls onto her back, covering her face with her hands while she groans. “Uggghhh, everything hurts. Please tell me that vomiting in a trash can in front of Brad was a horrible dream.”

“No can-do, honey,” Ali says. “You also told him you had a weak gag reflex.”

“Oh god.” Kate groans in despair, covering her head with a pillow.

“Where’s Ria and Harley?” I ask, clutching my towel.

“The guy’s suite, rattling headboards, no doubt,” Ali says with a sour expression on her face.

“Who’s Harley with?” I ask hesitantly. My stomach forms a little knot at the idea of Harley hooking up with Brad. I don’t have time to question why that would bother me, so I silently plead that someone responds quickly to cure my worrying mind.

“I reckon Mason. They were very cozy,” Ali says, wiggling her eyebrows.

The door to our suite opens, and steps echo through to the bedroom.

“Ria, Harley, is that you?” I call. A flash of auburn hair followed by a rosy-cheeked Harley who peaks through the doorway, and Ali whistles.

“I need a shower,” Harley says shyly and then leaves.

“Yes, girl,” Ali yells. “We’ll have the full debrief later.”

“I’m going to head to the gym. Does anyone want to join me?” I ask.

Ali and Kate both look at me like I’ve grown a second head. “No.” They both say in unison. I let out a little laugh when the sound of more footsteps approach us. I clutch hold of my towel tighter in case it’s one of the guys, but in walks Ria with a wide grin on her face and just fucked hair.

“Good morning.” She smiles, her voice light and airy.

“I slept in the wrong suite last night it sounds like a wild time over there.” Ali huffs.

“It was.” Ria winks and slips into the bed beside Ali, the grin still spread across her beautiful face. Her big blue eyes sparkle with glee, and it makes me happy to see her like this. Ria has been through so much. She deserves this happiness.

“I need a nap.” Ria yawns, snuggling in beside Ali.

“You’ve got two hours, ladies, before we need to be at the pool,” Ali says.

I use that as my warning to get going.

“I’ll be back in an hour,” I say as I rush out of the room before they can keep me talking. I need to burn off this feeling. I feel… off.