Page 32

MAKAYLA

“ I s she insane?” I whisper, slipping into my bedroom and closing the door behind me.

What do I do? I can’t just put everything on the table with Bryan. Not right away, anyway. It’s a delicate topic, and he and Callie are practically inseparable these days. I can’t risk ruining everything over what could be a lie.

But if it’s the truth… Or even if it’s only half-true…

“Oh, God.” My stomach lurches. I gag, then draw a steadying breath.

Glancing at the suitcase I left in the corner, I realize I never bothered to put it away.

That makes packing all too easy.

“Prepare for the worst, hope for the best,” I mutter, hefting the case onto the bed. I rifle through its contents, refolding clothes before tucking them back inside.

My heart aches as I gather my toiletries, toss them on top, and zip the suitcase with a shuddering sigh. It feels wrong to sneak off without confronting anyone. But what else am I supposed to do?

I can’t stay here if what Melanie says is true. If they’re taking advantage of me and leading me on, my options are limited. I’m just about to grab my ski suit when the door to the outer suite slams open.

My breath catches.

I reach for the doorknob, but the raised voices outside stop me cold. They’re arguing. All I can do is listen.

“At least Bryan is looped in,” Alex says. “As much as we could, anyway. If Melanie does open her mouth about it, he won’t be shocked.”

I clap a hand over my mouth. Unsure of the context, I fight to keep a clear head, but Melanie’s venomous warning echoes. I picture her tossing that glossy hair, surrounded by men I thought knew better.

“We have to find Makayla,” Oscar says. “We have to get in front of this, explain our perspective before Melanie gives hers.”

Their talk of perspective sounds like spin—an attempt to bend the truth. Tears sting the backs of my eyes. The truth seems obvious. I must not be enough for them; they went behind my back the instant I left the room.

This was too good to be true. I should have known. Of course there’s a reason the Anderson triplets are still single.

I take a step back from the door, my heart racing. I was so sure Melanie was full of shit, yet now it feels as though she’s been telling the truth all along.

“Oh, God,” I whisper. I try not to eavesdrop, but their voices are too loud to ignore. They’re obviously upset, yet from what I can tell, they’re more worried about staying ahead of the crisis.

“She could ruin all of us,” Oscar says. “We can’t let that sociopath win.” He pauses, then exhales sharply. “Maybe Makayla is finished with her massage by now.”

Moments later, my phone buzzes. I glance at the screen— a text from Alex. He’s trying to sound casual, but with what I know now, the message feels suspect.

The text reads, “How was the massage? Wondering if you want to meet up before dinner. We’ve got the afternoon wide open and would love to spend it with you.”

If I weren’t already on edge, I might find his words endearing.

My heart wants to melt, but my pride refuses to yield. My very soul is bleeding. I’m not easily hurt, but at the first tinge of pain, I fall back. I fall back fast.

“She’s not answering,” Alex says.

I roll my eyes and shove the phone under the pillow so I won’t be tempted to answer. The thought that I’m about to abandon my brother on what could be the most important day of his life twists my gut, yet the moment is already sour for me.

Regardless of what Melanie said, my brother and the Anderson triplets are clearly keeping secrets. From me, from Callie… I don’t want to be torn more than I already am. It’s too much.

Perched on the edge of the mattress, I tuck my hands beneath my thighs. I’ll wait until the guys clear out, then grab my things and bolt.

“What should we do?” Oscar asks.

“I think we need to split up,” Alex says. “I’ll check the beginner slopes to see if she’s skiing alone. You hit the restaurant and Kellan can take the spa.”

“What do we do if we run into Melanie again?” Kellan asks.

“Oh, you’ll know if she’s talked to Makayla. That nightmare of a woman won’t deny herself the chance to gloat,” Oscar says. “Hopefully that won’t be the case. Maybe we can reach Makayla before Melanie does.”

“Too late,” I whisper, grinding my teeth together.

How dare he keep me in the dark? I have every right to know anything that even remotely concerns me—and this definitely does. I glare at the carpet, willing them to leave.

Finally, they firm up their plan and walk out. The living room’s sudden silence lifts a weight off my chest. I grab the suitcase handle, zip it closed, and tug it onto the floor. With one quick swipe, I snatch my phone from beneath the pillow and stuff it into my pocket.

Tears blur my vision as I walk away from the smoking ruins of what could have been, desperate to reclaim some shred of normal.