Chapter 17

Sarah slides on her coat, picks up her oversized bag, throws me a wave, and blows a kiss with a wink as I watch them leave; a strange sense of nerves creeps up inside me as Leila comes strolling down the hall dressed in last night’s clothes.

“I have my driver coming for me, so I’m going to head down, babes. Sarah still here? Has Jake gone?” She scans around in surprise.

“Jake’s taking Sarah home,” I say, picking at a croissant on the plate, having no desire to eat. My stomach is making a good effort to impersonate a washing machine.

“Yet you’re still here?” She grins, placing her hands on her hips, and I sigh in response.

“I don’t know what I’m feeling or thinking anymore. I’m giving him a chance to talk, and I guess I’ll take it from there.” I can’t meet her eyes as she hovers beside me. Part of me feels like I’m being weak for being here after only a week of separation. I know Leila and Sarah are urging me to work this out, but I still feel pathetic.