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When I read Stella’s words, the reality suddenly hit me.

I’d been so focused on worrying about Edward that I’d completely forgotten to think about what him not coming meant forme.

I was about to go on a romantic couples excursion:alone.

Shit.

Everyone was here to bond with their match, so I couldn’t exactly start hanging out with them.Three’s a crowdand all that.

Me

Not sure how much fun I’ll be able to have on my own…

Stella

You’ll be fine!

Me

We’ll see… Meant to ask earlier, how many photos did you get to choose from every day for your memory book?

Stella

Usually six or seven. Sometimes more. Depended on how many we took and what activity we did that day.

Me

I only got two.

Stella

That’s not a lot to choose from! Ask your Love Alchemist guy for more.

‘Samantha,’ a deep Italian voice called out.

My head snapped up and I saw Romeo on the coach steps.

‘How’s Edward?’ I asked.

‘Could I speak with you a moment?’

Me

Stell, I’ve gotta go. Will message later.

I jumped out of my seat then followed Romeo outside.

‘What’s up? Is Edward okay?’ I said, concern dripping from my voice. Romeo’s stone-faced expression and the fact that he’d called me off the coach worried me.

‘I have just seen Edward. He has a bad headache, so he cannot make it today.’

‘Headache?’ I frowned. ‘He said he had a stomach bug.’

Romeo’s eyes widened for a second.

‘Perhaps… he must have both… Hopefully he will feel better soon. In the meantime, you are of course still encouraged to attend today’s trip.’

‘Yeah…’ My voice trailed off. ‘About that. I don’t want to start third-wheeling, so I’m just gonna stay here.’