Chapter 32

“How are you feeling?” Brianna asked me as I put the finishing touches on my makeup.

“I’m good,” I lied. She gave me a look that told me she knew I was lying. “Okay, I’m nervous as hell, but I’ll be good,” I amended. She smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

“You better be. This is my rehearsal dinner. Only Ryan and I are supposed to be nervous wrecks.”

Over a year had passed since I’d seen Corey in Hawaii, and a lot had happened. Another hockey season had gone by and ended in disappointment in the playoffs for Anaheim. I’d filmed two movies, and was on hiatus for Brianna’s wedding in the middle of a third. I’d also had a once in a while guest spot on a popular TV series. Everything in my life was exactly how I’d always wanted it, minus one person.

It had taken a long time, but I could now not only hear Corey’s name, but could talk about him without feeling like someone was ripping my heart out of my chest. I wasn’t dating anyone else and I wasn’t looking to either. I’d been so busy with my career I could hardly believe more than a year had gone by, let alone find time for a new relationship. I had learned through Brianna, without having to ask, that Corey hadn’t been seeing anyone at all either. For some reason I felt like I should know, even if it wasn't my right to care if he was.

Now, 14 months later, I was about to see Corey again. We’d randomly seen each other around LA two or three times, but it had been just in passing. There hadn’t been more than a short greeting and sad smile passed between the two of us. Now I was the maid of honor and he was the best man at our best friends’ wedding. There was no getting out of talking to him.

“Are you ready?” Brianna asked. I nodded and followed her out to the limo that would serve as our transportation for the night.

We picked up other members of the wedding party and made our way to the rehearsal. I walked in and was immediately greeted by many of the Ducks and their significant others. While I had avoided any team parties, I’d stayed in touch with many of the girls, who I’d grown to actually like. If I was in town I hadn’t turned down a single girls’ night when their guys were out of town.

I mingled with the group in attendance. As I was laughing at something Brianna’s mother had said I just knew Corey had arrived. Slowly I turned to look at the doorway and didn’t see him. I began to think that it was just nerves getting to me when he walked through the door. And he looked good. Damn, him. He couldn’t show up looking homeless and make it easy on me, could he?

His eyes locked on mine almost immediately as if he had sensed where I was standing. He gave me a small smile and nod in recognition and I did the same. Then he made his way around the room saying hi to everyone. I knew that eventually we’d have to talk, but I was hoping to have a little liquid courage in me before then. When I saw him grab a beer, I knew he was probably feeling the same.

“You look good,” he said to me when we were thrown together a little later on.

“Thank you. So do you.”

That was the extent of our conversation for the night. We’d been involved in the same conversation numerous times, but it had always been in a group. Everyone in attendance that night knew what the situation was, and they were trying to make it as easy on both of us as possible. We both managed to joke around and laugh in each other’s presence which was better than we did in our first reunion two years prior.

When it was all over the bride's half of the wedding party took Brianna out for the last night she’d be single. It was nothing fancy or crazy. Just a fun, low key night ending in us all crashing at my place. Brianna, the other three bridesmaids, and I lounged around my living room watching chick flicks and chatting before we were all too exhausted to stay up any longer.

The next morning came the task of getting her ready for the biggest day of her life thus far. Her closest family members and Ticia came over for breakfast and mimosas before the makeover started. In time Brianna’s hair and makeup were complete and we were stuffing her and her dress into the limo with all of us and heading to the church. When Brianna turned to look at me after I finished zipping up her dress I nearly cried.

“You look amazing,” I told her. She hugged me and then did the same with everyone else.

Not long after, it was time to start. I checked my reflection one last time before walking out of the room to prepare for the walk down the aisle with Corey. He was standing there when I walked out and smiled when he saw me. I returned the smile and stepped next to him.

“You look beautiful, Amelia,” he whispered as he took my arm in his. We were walking down the aisle before I had a chance to respond. Instead I spent the whole walk saddened by the fact that he hadn’t called me “Meels.”

When Brianna stepped into sight I peeked over to look at Ryan. His reaction was everything I was hoping it would be, and more. It was obvious in that moment that if anyone doubted his love for Brianna before, seeing that expression would change their minds in a hurry.

When it was over we headed to the reception where Corey and I went our separate ways to try to greet everyone before the Getzlafs arrived. We were finally seated after their arrival and had an exquisite dinner. Brianna couldn’t keep the smile off of her face and I couldn’t have been happier for her.

After dinner it was time for the speeches. I got up and gave mine first. I didn’t want to try to do the funny speech, opting to go for more of a sentimental one, but I made sure to throw a few jabs in there at Brianna. Then it was Corey’s turn. He went with the funny speech, and I could hardly keep from laughing during the whole thing. Then the last bit really got me.

“Not everyone is lucky enough to find their match and hold on to them. Ryan, hold on to Brianna. You’ll never find anyone better.” His eyes bore right into mine as he finished. I turned away when I felt a tear slide down my cheek. I wiped it away and put on a smile as the microphone was passed along.

Later on I watched as Brianna and Ryan shared their first dance together. As I watched them dance I couldn’t get Corey’s words out of my head. I’m sure most people didn’t think anything of them, but to me there was no mistaking their meaning. It was impossible not to know what he’d meant with him staring right into my eyes as he said it.

“Would you like to dance?” I heard someone ask. I looked up to see Corey standing above me, holding out a hand.

“We can’t ruin their moment,” I declined. He looked at me in confusion.

“Who’s moment?” I looked out at the dance floor and saw it was full of people, the first dance long over with. “You looked spaced out there for a while. Are you okay?” he asked.

“Uh, yeah, sorry. I guess I’m just tired,” I told him.

“So how about that dance?” He held his hand out to me again and I reached up to accept it.
He pulled me out to the dance floor. He wrapped his arms around my waist as I wrapped mine around his neck. We danced in silence for most of the song. It was awkward and nice at the same time being in his arms again, even for just a dance. I felt myself relaxing into him with every step.

“I miss you,” he whispered just before the song ended.

I pulled my head back to look up at him in surprise. A new song started, that was much faster and much louder before I could think of something to say. He pulled away from me and I watched him exit the reception into the hallway. I remained in place staring at the door as it closed behind him.

“What did he say to you?” Brianna asked, coming up behind me.

“He told me he missed me.” She sighed and guided me off the dance floor.

“Lia, maybe it’s time you hear him out.” I shook my head.

“No, not tonight. Tonight, I’m here for you.” She gave me shove in the direction of the door.

“I’m not about to do anything stupid and there are plenty of people here to help me out if I need it. Go.” I saw the look she gave me and knew that she meant what she said. I nodded and walked out the door looking for Corey.










Corey sat in a chair in an empty room down the hall from the reception. He needed a little time to himself. He’d known it would be hard to see Amelia, but he didn’t expect it to be this hard. Did she have to look so beautiful?

He’d tried to avoid her the best he could, but he was having a hard time staying away. When he saw her sitting alone while everyone else danced the night away he couldn’t help but go over. He hadn’t planned on asking her to dance. He’d just wanted to go ask if she was okay and maybe talk a little bit. Not about anything that had to do with them, because it wasn’t the right time, but just some small talk. When he’d opened his mouth to say hi, he’d asked her to dance instead.

Then when she was in his arms, her scent and touch filled his brain with memories of her. Then his mouth had betrayed him and he’d told her he missed her. She looked like a deer caught in headlights when he’d said it. Thankfully the song ended and he was able to get away from her. Now he was in here collecting his thoughts so he could go back in and enjoy his best friend’s wedding reception.

“Corey?” He looked up in surprise to see Amelia standing in the doorway. “Can I come in?” she asked. He laughed.

“I don’t know that I’m even supposed to be in here, but hey, what the hell. Better I have company if I get in trouble.” She smiled at him and made her way into the room. The only light in the room was filtering in through the doorway, but even in the shadows she took his breath away.

“We should talk about what you said in there,” she suggested. He sighed and raked a hand through his hair.

“I shouldn’t have said it,” he told her.

“I miss you too,” she blurted out. His eyes widened in surprise. That wasn’t what he’d expected her to say.

“What?” She nervously looked around the room while clasping and unclasping her hands together.

“I’m not going to pretend it’s been easy on me not being with you this past year. It hasn’t. It’s sucked. Even so, my feelings haven’t changed. Our lifestyles don’t mix. I’m not going to quit acting and you’re not going to quit hockey.” She was looking everywhere but at him. It was his turn to surprise her.

“Yes I am.” She jerked her head in his direction.

“You are what?”

“Quitting hockey. My agents looking into ways I can get out of my contract. If there isn’t one, then I’ll play it out another three seasons and quit.”
“Why would you do that?” she questioned.

“For you. Because I can’t be the man you want if I play. I don’t know how to be that guy. It’s time I supported you. So I’m going to quit for you.”

She looked at him like he was crazy, but even in the darkness of the room he could see her eyes filling with tears. She wiped a few off her cheeks only to have them replaced with more. She sniffed softly before responding again.

“Don’t you dare,” she said, strength in her voice for the first time since they’d seen each other this weekend.

“Amelia, I’m doing this for you,” he explained. She shook her head.

“No, you’re not. You’re doing it for yourself. You’re giving me an ultimatum, telling me I have to take you back as you are or you’ll quit hockey. Do you have any idea how that makes me feel? You’re turning the tables on me. You asked me to quit acting and you feel like shit about it, so in some twisted logic you’re asking me to make you quit hockey to make yourself feel better by making me the villain.” She held a hand up to silence him when he tried to cut in. “If you quit, I’ll never speak to you again.”

“Amelia-“

“No, Corey. Nothing you say right now is going to change my mind. Just know that if you give up hockey I won’t know who you are anymore. You worked your ass off to get where you are. You love it. Hell, I stood by you through all of that. If you really love me, you won’t do this. I have to get back to Brianna. My flight leaves tomorrow morning. It was really nice seeing you again.”

He watched her turn and walk out of the room. He covered his face with his hands when she was out of sight. What the hell was it going to take? Maybe nothing. Maybe he had really lost her forever.

Chapter 31

I glanced over at the watch I’d laid on the table as Brianna and I sat outside. I was surprised at the time and the fact that she hadn’t said anything to me about it. Then again, I guess she wouldn’t. Why would she bring up the Ducks playoff game that was starting in 15 minutes? I stood up and stretched.

“Let’s go up to the room,” I said.

“Are you sure?” she asked. I nodded and we collected our stuff.

When we reached the room Brianna got straight into the shower probably assuming we were going to go grab some dinner soon. I, however, had other plans. I couldn’t expect her to miss any of Ryan’s games just because things hadn’t worked out between Corey and I. Knowing she would argue with me if I told her to watch it, I didn’t give her a chance, buying the game on the internet while she was still showering.

“So what’s the plan?” she asked when she walked out of the bathroom.

“I think you have a game to watch,” I told her. She only hesitated for a second before responding.

“What are you talking about?” she questioned. I rolled my eyes at her.

“Bri, I saw you checking the time on the watch practically all afternoon. I’m not an idiot. I used to be that person. And before you argue, I already bought the game on the internet. It’s all set up,” I explained. She glared at me.

“Lia, you really didn’t have to,” she sighed.

“I know I didn’t have to, but I wanted to. I feel bad enough that you’re here instead of there watching Ryan.” She shrugged.

“You’re my best friend. You come first always.”

“While I appreciate that, I’m going to get angry if I just paid for a playoffs season ticket pass and you don’t want the games. Go,” I demanded. She sighed again before turning and walking into her room.

I walked out onto the veranda and looked out over the ocean. It was so beautiful and peaceful here. I never wanted to leave. Unfortunately I knew I would have to. I also knew at some point I was going to have to face what I’d come here to hide from. I felt my heart ache as I thought about it. I wondered when the ache would dull.

Sick of thinking about trying to forget Corey I walked back inside and ordered some food for dinner. It made it just in time for the first intermission and Brianna came out to eat. She didn’t mention the game but I could see the smile on her face and knew that they had to be winning. She disappeared back into her room.

When she next emerged, the game was over and she had a grin on her face. I smiled up at her in acknowledgement, but like before, we didn’t bring it up. Her phone rang a bit later during a movie and she left the room to talk to Ryan.

“So, don’t plan anything for July 10th next summer,” she said as she sat down next to me.

“You decided on a date?” I asked. She nodded and I hugged her. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” I saw a flash of nervousness in her eyes and I pulled back a bit. I sighed when I realized why. “It’s over a year away. If I’m not fine by then, I should just kill myself.”

“I don’t know about that, but I just thought I’d check. Ryan wants him to be the best man, but he won’t ask him if you’re not okay with that,” she said tentatively.

“Really, Bri, it’s fine. It’s your wedding. I think I can manage.”

She smiled and thanked me before settling back on the couch to watch the rest of the movie. I on the other hand couldn’t focus on the rest. Even though it was over a year away I wondered if I’d be as okay as I assured her I would be.










Corey walked into his house after another win against Detroit. He changed and then flopped down on the couch. He was still a bit amped up from the game so he knew he’d be up for another couple of hours. He turned on the TV before picking up his laptop. He wanted to just see what the other teams had done that night, but he found himself checking out tabloid sites instead.

He nearly dropped the laptop when he saw Amelia’s picture pop up onto his screen. The first picture showed her jogging on a beach. She was stretching in the second. Then he saw the third. She was hunched over in Brianna’s arms with Ticia next to her, in tears. He scanned what the short blurb about her said and read what he was hoping wasn’t the case.

It said that she’d been spotted in Hawaii where she’d been for the last two weeks. It went on to say that after blowing past the paparazzi, which wasn’t typical of her, she’d broken down into tears when they mentioned him. He threw his head back and sighed. At least now he knew where she was.

Nine days later he quietly boarded the chartered plane. Things were just not going right in his life right now. They’d just lost to Detroit in game 7 when they’d been up in the series. He wanted nothing more than to go home to someone, but he wasn’t going to be able to, because he’d been a complete asshole and pushed Amelia out of his life.

He heard Ryan talking to Brianna as the rest of the guys filed on the plane in silence. He wanted to take the phone and ask her about Amelia, but Brianna hadn’t said a word to him since he’d made that colossal mistake. Then his brain started working. He knew where Amelia was now and he didn’t have hockey to play anymore. Five days later he was on a plane to Hawaii.










I followed security from the car through the entrance to the resort. I’d started to go out and do things again in the last week, hoping that it would keep my mind off of things. I’d never been good at dealing with problems, instead choosing to run from them as long as I could. And as long as I was in Hawaii I wasn’t going to stop running.

We walked past paparazzi mixed in with people just on vacations as we walked through the lobby towards the elevators. I felt bad that they had to deal with everything, but it wasn’t by my choice. I didn’t look up and around, instead keeping my head down and my body behind the security guards. Then I froze in my tracks.

“Amelia!” a voice called out from the commotion. No, it wasn’t just a voice. I knew that voice. I turned with wide eyes to see Corey standing there looking at me. I didn’t respond right away. I just couldn’t believe that he was here.

“Let’s go, Lia,” Brianna whispered to me as she grabbed onto my arm. I looked over to see security looking at me quizzically.

“Is there an unused room we can go to?” I asked one of them, motioning towards Corey. He made a quick call before nodding.

“Right this way,” he told me. I followed him without looking to see if Corey was behind me.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” Brianna asked when I reached the door. I nodded when my voice failed me. “I’ll be right outside.”

I walked over to a wall without windows and leaned against it because I didn’t think my legs would hold me up. I watched Corey walk into the room. The door was closed behind him, leaving us alone. I chose to let him talk first since he’d obviously come here for a reason. He looked uncomfortable and unsure of himself and I got a little bit of satisfaction out of that.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered. He said it so quietly I wouldn’t have known he’d said anything if I hadn’t watched his mouth move.

“What was that?” I asked, even though I knew exactly what he’d said.

“I said I’m sorry,” he repeated. I crossed my arms over my chest and lifted my eyebrows at him. He didn’t say anything else.

“You flew all the way here just to say that? Okay, see you later.” I turned my back to him and started heading for the door.

“Meels, wait!” he called. I cringed at my nickname. Hearing him call me that just made being in the room with him even harder. I took a deep breath before turning back around.

“What do you want?” I asked.

“I wanted to apologize,” he replied. I rolled my eyes.

“Yeah, you did that already. Can I go now?” He made his way over to me until only a foot or two separated us.

“I screwed up. I was stressed about playoffs and then adding the paparazzi on top of it caused me to lose it. What I did and what I said wasn’t right. I don’t want you to quit. God, I promised you that I wouldn’t ask you to quit when we got back together, and then I did. I’m sorry,” he apologized.

“I’m glad you feel bad about it, Corey, but that doesn’t change anything,” I told him. He looked surprised.

“Of course it does. It changes everything!” he exclaimed. I shook my head.

“No, it doesn’t. You don’t get to come in and out of my life whenever you want. I feel like a yo-yo with you. One day you’re in love with me, and the next you don’t want me around. You’re asking for a fifth chance when you never should have had a third!” I yelled.

“Don’t you think I know that? I hate that I’ve been like that with you, but this whole thing has opened my eyes. I’m miserable without you. I know I have to change, and I love you so much that I’m going to. I’m changing for you.” I squeezed my eyes closed and sighed while shaking my head.

“No, you aren't. You just hate that you lost out in playoffs and you’re alone. I know you Corey. Next time there’s a problem you’re going to push me away again. I can’t live like that. I can’t live in fear of when you’re going to go off next. It’s not fair.” He groaned and raked a hand through his hair.

“I need you, Meels.” I shook my head sadly at him.

“No, you don’t. You need someone that will tolerate coming in second to you. You don’t want to compromise and you never have. With you it’s always going to be what you want or get out. I can’t do it anymore. What you need is someone like Ileana. Maybe you should give her a call.”

I turned my back on him again and made my way to the door. He didn’t call after me this time. He knew I was serious and that this was the end of us. I hesitated only for a moment trying to compose myself. I wasn’t going to cry in front of him. I opened the door and walked out into the hallway, closing the door behind me. Brianna linked her arm in mine as we walked toward the elevators.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“I will be,” I replied.

Chapter 30

Corey woke up on a day off at 8 am. They’d closed out the series against the Sharks the night before, but instead of going out and celebrating with the guys he’d gone home. He should be happy that they’d moved on to the second round, but he wasn’t. It just wasn’t the same without Amelia there.

He stayed in bed, staring up at the ceiling wondering what the hell he’d been thinking. He knew he wasn’t the most level headed guy in the world, but he’d never made a mistake as bad as he’d made a week ago. He should have calmed down and then talked it out with Amelia. Instead he’d given her an ultimatum.

And wasn’t that stupid? She’d left him before because she was afraid he’d ask her to give up her dreams so they could be together. When she told him that, he’d promised himself he’d never make her do that. That promise had lasted a whole couple of months, because that’s what he’d done. He’d asked her to quit, and when she said no he left.

Sleep hadn’t come easy for him in the last week. When he was awake he was trying to figure out what to do. While he slept he dreamt of her. He knew an apology wasn’t going to fix it this time. Not only had he hurt her for what seemed to be the hundredth time in the last few months, but he’d gone right for the jugular.

After a few hours of lying in bed trying to come up with a solution to fix the problem and not thinking of anything he finally made his way out of bed. He’d already tried calling Amelia, but she wasn’t answering. Not that he could blame her. He got dressed and got into his car. He was in Amelia’s driveway before he’d thought things through.

He got out and looked at her front door. What was he going to say to her now that he was here? What could he possibly say that wouldn’t sound stupid? He didn’t know and he considered getting back into his car before he said something to her that he’d really regret. Instead he decided that he had to see her.

He knocked on the door and waited. She didn’t come to the door. He tried the doorbell but still she didn’t come. He tried to peer into a window but the drapes were blocking out the inside. He tried again before giving up. She either wasn’t home or wanted nothing to do with him. Again, he couldn’t blame her if she was ignoring him.

Because he supposed he was a glutton for punishment he went back the next morning before they flew to Detroit. Once again, she didn’t come to the door. When they got back from Detroit he went back again. Still there was no answer. In fact he got the feeling that she hadn’t been there at all in the last week or so.

After game 3 he spotted Brianna in the wives’ room. He made his way in and smiled at her when she turned to face him. She scowled at him in return before turning her back and walking away. He tried to chase her down, but she walked into the bathroom where he couldn’t follow her. With a sigh he left and went home.

He asked Ryan about it the next day but he wouldn’t tell him anything either. Ryan told him that Brianna would be tempted to commit murder if Corey tried to talk to her. When Corey pushed Ryan for information about Amelia, Ryan told him that he had no idea where she was. He only knew she wasn’t in LA anymore.

Corey got home and tried to think of where she could possibly be. He knew he needed to talk to her, which meant he had to find her first. He went so far as looking it up on celebrity gossip sights. There was no mention of Amelia anywhere. The paparazzi had stop coming around him when Amelia had stopped showing up at his games. They’d stuck around for a couple days asking if they’d broken up but Corey was just ignoring them these days.

There was only one other place Corey could think of that Amelia would go. Her family was still in London, so maybe she’d gone back to be with them. He thought about calling her parents, but thought better of it. If she hadn’t told them about the fight he didn’t want to be the one breaking the news by asking them if they knew where their daughter was. If she had told them, he didn’t want to deal with what they’d have to say to him either.

Then he thought of Ticia. He wondered what her reaction to him calling her would be as he heard the phone ringing on the other end. It rang so many times he almost hung up before he heard her voice on the other end.

“Hello?” she answered.

“Ticia? It’s Corey.” There was a moment of silence on the other end. He was about to repeat himself when she spoke again.

“What the hell do you want?” she asked. He heard a door open and shut on her end as she asked.

“Look, I know you probably hate me right now, but I need to know how Meels is.”

“Don’t you dare call her that,” Ticia spat at him. He took a deep breath. He figured she’d be mad at him and he needed to stay patient. If she wasn’t on his side, no one would be.

“I’m sorry. I just…..I really fucked up. I lost my head and said things that I never should have. I’ve been trying to get ahold of Amelia but I can’t. You were my last hope,” he told her.

“Then you’re really out of luck, because I’m not helping you.”

“Ticia, please. I know she’s not in LA anymore. Are you guys in London?” he questioned.

“What? You’re going to skip out on the rest of playoffs and come get her?” Ticia asked.

“Obviously not,” he replied.

“Too bad, because that’s the only way I’d even consider telling you where we are. It’s not London, by the way.” He was really at a loss now. Where the hell were they?

“I have to know how she is. I need her to know how sorry I am. I need to make it up to her. Please just put her on the phone or tell me where you are,” he begged.

“She’s doing terrible. She won’t care how sorry you are, or at least she shouldn’t. There’s nothing you can do to make it up to her. If I gave her the phone she’d hang up on you and I won’t tell you where we are. Is there anything else I can do for you?”

“She has to come back to LA sometime. When she does I’ll be here. You can’t keep us apart forever. I’m going to do whatever it takes to get her back.”

“Good luck with that. I have to go. My sister needs someone she can count on right now.”

Ticia hung up on him and he groaned. He hadn’t made any progress at all. He only hoped that Ticia would pass along a little of what he’d said to her. If she did then maybe, just maybe he’d have a chance to make it all up to Amelia.










I opened my eyes at the sound of a ringing phone. It was Ticia’s, but she had earphones in and obviously didn’t hear it. I threw a strawberry at her and pointed at her phone when she opened her eyes and looked over at me. She nodded and picked up the phone.

“Hello?” She paused for a moment and I watched her expression change. She stood up from her chair and made her way to the door holding a finger up to tell me she’d be right back. “What the hell do you want?” I heard her ask as she walked inside, shutting the door behind her.

I shrugged figuring it was some ex of hers. I closed my eyes again and lay back in the chair. We’d been lounging outside enjoying the weather. A little while later she walked back outside and sat back down. I looked over at her when she didn’t say anything.

“Everything okay?” I asked. She smiled and nodded.

“Yeah, everything’s fine,” she replied. I could see right through her smile.

“Who was it?” I pushed.

“Just an asshole ex grasping at a chance that doesn’t exist that he can make things right.” I smiled at her reassuringly before going back to enjoying the sun and the sound of the ocean.

A few hours later my phone rang. I looked over at her, pleading with my eyes. She smiled and answered for me. I hadn’t touched my phone in the week and a half that we’d been here. Brianna called once in a while, but Ticia always talked to her. I still wasn’t up for a conversation about how I was doing.

“Brianna’s flying out to take my place so you can stay here for a while longer since I have to go back to work,” she explained when she hung up.

“What? She doesn’t have to do that. Ryan’s still playing, isn’t he?” I asked straightening up in my chair.

“Yeah, he is, but she’s coming anyway.”

“Call her back and tell her not to come. I’m fine here by myself. She should be there for him right now.”

“She thought you’d say that. She called right before they told everyone on the plane to turn off their cell phones. I’m going to pick her up at the airport later tonight.”

I sighed and rolled my eyes. That was so like Brianna. I knew there was no use in trying to turn her around at that point so I let it go and took a nap. Later that night Ticia left to pick Brianna up and I decided to go out for a run while she was gone. I’d basically been holed up in the suite for the last week and a half and I needed to get out and do something.

I stepped out onto the beach glad that most people were gone for dinner. I started running along the edge of the water enjoying the view. I got so lost in the scenery that I didn’t realize I was being followed for a while. When I turned around to head back to the hotel I noticed the cameras.

It had only taken them a week and a half to find me. Whatever precautions Brianna had taken to keep my trip secret had worked pretty well. I reached the hotel and started to stretch out before I went inside. That was my first mistake.

“Amelia! Why haven’t you been at Corey’s games lately?” one of them asked. I stiffened, but tried not to let on how upset I was as I finished a stretch and headed for the door to go back inside.

“Did something happen between you two?” another called out.

I could feel the tears starting to build up in my eyes. While he had been in the back of my mind the entire time I’d been here, his name hadn’t been mentioned so I’d managed to hold it together after that first night. All of those feelings were rushing back and I knew I needed to get inside quick.

“You two seemed so happy. What happened?” a third asked.

I was only a step away from the door where I knew they couldn’t follow me. I got out the key and unlocked the door, pulling it open. That’s when I made my second mistake. I let go. Before I even took a step into the hotel I let my emotions catch up to me and started to cry. I broke down in front of the cameras. I used the door for support because I thought my legs would give out on me.

“Amelia!” I heard someone call from behind me. Someone rushed up to me and grabbed onto my arm. I looked up to see Brianna standing there.

Ticia blocked me from view the best she could while Brianna helped me inside. I’d barely made it around a corner before my legs did give out. She knelt on the floor next to me and pulled me into her arms. She stroked my hair as I cried on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, honey. I’m so sorry,” she whispered. I pulled away from her a little.

“I love him, Bri. I love him so much and I can never be with him. How am I supposed to get over that? How do you ever get over not being able to be with the person you know is your soul mate? I could forgive him. I could call him right now and forgive him and quit acting but we’ll never be okay. There’s always going to be something with us. If I keep living my dream we can’t be together because our lifestyles don’t mesh. If one of us gives up their dream for the other we’ll always resent the other person. We can never be together. How am I supposed to live knowing that?” She looked down at me sadly.

“I have no idea,” she replied.