Page 70 of Power
“I am,” Emily pipes up.
Yasmin smiles. “We only have one room available, which means you’ll need to share the bed. But, rest assured, it’s a big bed and it’s comfortable. You’re upstairs, in May’s Room.” I look at her with confusion. “The rooms are named after key people of the town.”
“Oh, okay. I thought for a moment May was in the room.”
She laughs and shakes her head. “No, not at all. Now, breakfast is served from six until nine. But, if you want to have a sleep in, I can ask Tabitha to prepare two plates and keep them in the kitchen for you, if you prefer.”
“We’ll probably be down at about eight-thirty,” I say.
“Sure. I’ll be here, so if you have any questions, I’m happy to answer them.” She types away on the laptop, and before long Emily and I head upstairs and find May’s Room.
When I open the door, Emily heads into the bathroom while I look around the room. “How cute is this place?” I call to Emily.
She comes out of the bathroom, nods, and flops on the bed, still in her clothes. “Too tired to move.”
I take her shoes off and Emily crawls into bed. It takes her only a few moments before she’s totally out of it. I dim the lights and sit at the cozy sofa beside the windows, looking out into the night sky. Reaching for my bag, I slide my phone out, kick off my shoes and snuggle up on the sofa. There’s a part of me that’s hoping Bennett will reach out, but I know that’s not going to happen. We’re done. The way he spoke to me was clear and to the point.
It’s for the best.
So why am I tearing up? Why does it feel like my heart has been ripped out of my chest?
I take another look at my phone before sending Tash a message to let her know we’re in a sleepy small town called Hope River. Although I’d love for Bennett to message me, I know in my gut that won’t happen. I turn my phone off and throw it into my bag. This weekend is about Emily and me, and no one else.
I lean my elbow on the back of the sofa and stare out at the beautiful, clear night sky.
Bennett and I are clearly done. It would have been easy to fall for him, and I’m grateful I didn’t let my heart connect with his.
But why does this hurt as much as it does?
“What a weird town,” Emily says as we walk along the main street.
“Good afternoon,” someone greets as we pass by them.
“Hi!” Emily smiles happily. Once past the person, Emily turns to me and says, “Everyone is so friendly.”
“I know. It’s bizarre, but refreshingly awesome too,” I reply.
Ahead of us, an old lady moves to stand, but drops her cane. Without a thought or encouragement from me, Emily runs ahead and picks up her cane. The old lady and Emily speak only for a moment before I reach them. “This beautiful young girl was just saying you’re both staying at the B&B,” the old woman says.
“Yeah, we decided to take a road trip for the weekend, and this is where we landed.” Emily sidles up beside me, and I wrap my arm around her shoulder.
“Which room are you in?”
“We’re staying in May’s Room,” Emily says.
“Oh, that’s my room. I’m May.”
“I’m Reece, and this is my daughter Emily.”
“Hi!” Emily offers her a small wave.
“Have you had any of the curry yet?” May asks.
“Oh, no. We’re not really part of the town.”
“Pish posh. Sit your asses down and eat.” She points to the two available chairs beside her.
“Oh, um.” I look around and see a café behind us. “We can go in the café...”
