Easy This Time - JH Croix Page 0,1
where the sun’s first rays were cresting above the trees and casting a swath of light at an angle across the lawn.
If I stared out the windows long enough, maybe I could forget that things felt awfully wrong this morning. The comforting view could soothe me, but only so much.
Turning away from the windows, my heart tumbled along in a rapid beat, and I felt slightly ill. Brett had sweet-talked me into coming on this weekend escape even though I’d fretted I didn’t have the money, nor the time. He’d been so persistent that I’d somehow convinced myself he had something special planned. I didn’t know what that “special” would be, especially with how things had been with us lately.
When we’d arrived yesterday, it had all felt rather magical, and I’d allowed myself to relax in a way I hadn’t in months. Inn Boudreaux was a gorgeous place. With Gabby so warm and welcoming, and her young son so cute as he took us on a little tour, it was a welcome respite.
My eyes landed on a clock above the doorway into the kitchen. It wasn’t even six a.m. yet. It made no sense for Brett to be gone. When we’d gone out to dinner last night, I’d wished things had felt more stable with Brett and me. Because, long before this morning, I’d been harboring doubts about us. Yet I couldn’t have imagined he’d abscond during the night.
“We have sugar and cream right over there,” Gabby said, gesturing toward a sidebar against the wall in the dining area as she returned to the room with a cup of coffee in hand.
“Neither,” I replied, marveling at how manners could get me through this awkward moment when I didn’t know where my boyfriend had gone, and his phone was disconnected.
Gabby handed me a mug, one with Inn Boudreaux written on the side in a whimsical script. I curled my fingers around it, realizing then my hands were ice cold. I took a sip of coffee, the rich dark brew grounding me slightly. Swallowing, I met her eyes.
“Thank you. This is delicious,” I said, quite honestly.
“Glad to hear it. If I can get you anything this morning, please let me know. We serve breakfast within the hour. If you need, I can check to see if anything is ready a little early.”
“Oh no, I don’t want to be a bother. Is it okay if I carry my coffee up to my room?”
“Of course it is! Do let me know if you need anything else.”
I managed a nod, still too shocked to even cry. Although I didn’t even know if I needed to cry. Perhaps it was all a misunderstanding.
After I climbed the stairs and closed the door to the room I was supposed to be sharing with Brett, I sank my hips onto the edge of the bed and took a gulp of my coffee.
“Riiiight. Brett just took all his stuff and left and turned off his phone by accident,” I whispered to the room.
I wasn’t quite sure what was happening. I swung between poles of anger and crushing humiliation. Glancing around, I found my phone where I had tossed it on the bed before my mad dash out of the room. I lifted it, once again tapping on Brett’s number.
My gut was telling me Brett was long gone, but I still tried to call him. And I got the same automated message. It felt as if the computerized voice on the other end of the line was mocking me.
Although I was frazzled and in shock, I went through the motions of getting ready. I had no idea what to do if Brett hadn’t paid for our stay here. If he hadn’t, I was thoroughly screwed.
After a shower, I dressed in a pair of lightweight capris and a flowy cotton blouse, the kind that wouldn’t stick to my skin in this humid Louisiana weather. Standing in front of the bathroom mirror, I stared at myself. My dark hair was still damp from the shower, but I didn’t have it in me to bother trying to style it. My blue eyes stood out against my rather pale skin. Considering the state of my mind this morning, I supposed I didn’t look too bad. With a sigh, I turned away from my reflection.
In between wondering where the hell Brett was, I contemplated how to tactfully ask if he’d paid for the room. I did not want to humiliate myself further in front of Gabby,