The Exception(12)

I took in a deep breath. “I was supposed to get married yesterday.”

Ano looked at me and cocked his head. “And you bailed, didn’t you?”

“Yep. I sure did.”

“Good for you. You know I never liked that little weasel. Come inside and I’ll make us some herbal tea.”

“I’ll make it, dear,” Lonnie spoke. “The two of you go sit down and talk.”

He led me out the patio door, and we took seats in the lounge chairs that faced the water.

“So, you finally decided it was time to go find yourself.”

“Yeah. Pretty much. I just walked away from the only life I’d ever known.”

“How does it feel?”

“It feels great, but also a little scary.”

“Are you questioning yourself for leaving?”

“No. I’ve never been so sure of anything in my life.”

“Good. It’ll make your journey a little easier. But I will warn you, Jillian, in order to continue on with your journey, you need to become fearless of what you may discover and how your life will change.”

“I know. I understand that.” I looked down.

“What you find out about yourself will be with you forever and there will be no escaping it.”

“Here you are,” Lonnie spoke as she handed us our tea.

“Thank you, Lonnie.” I smiled.

“Thank you, my love.” Ano took hold of his wife’s hand and kissed it.

They had the kind of relationship that I’d always dreamed of. Every time I visited them growing up, their bond seemed stronger. They had the kind of love that was rare. Unlike my parents, who were at each other’s throats 24/7.

“You two are really something special.” I smiled at Ano.

He reached over and placed his hand on mine. “You, my friend, will have a love like ours someday.”

“I hope so.” A small smile crossed my lips.

“You will. You’re a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul. I want you to remember one thing.”

“What’s that?”

“Your journey won’t be complete until you make peace with those who love you.”

“I can never go back there, Ano.” I looked at the water.

“You can and you will. You say that now, but once you get further along and become more aware of who you truly are, you’ll know it’s the right thing to do. You’ve come a long way since the day I found you hiding in that cave when you were just ten years old, but this time, I’m not convincing you to go back. That’s something you need to do on your own and on your own terms. You’ll know when the time is right. Sometimes you need to get lost to be found.”

After having dinner with the family, it was time for me to head back to the hotel. As I was in my suite, pouring a glass of wine, there was a knock on the door. When I opened it, I was surprised to see Drew standing there.

“Hi.”

“Hi.” He smiled.

“Come on in.”

As soon as he stepped through the door, I looked down the hall.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“Where’s Jess?”

“She’s up in the room. I saw you come back to the hotel and I wanted to talk to you for a minute.”

“Oh. Okay. What’s up? Do you want some wine?” I asked as I picked up my glass.

“No, thank you. If by chance you run into me and Jess, could you please not mention that we ran into each other today and the whole paddle board thing?”

“Why?” I asked with a twisted face.

Drew placed his hands in his pockets. “She’s a very jealous person and she would take it the wrong way.”

“Sure. I won’t mention it.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

“No problem.” I grinned.

Removing his hand from his pocket, he rubbed the back of his neck.

“I should get going.”

“Enjoy the rest of your evening,” I spoke.

“You too.” Walking to the door, he stopped and turned around. “Did you have a nice visit with your friend?”

“I did. Thanks for asking.”

He gave me a small smile as he opened the door and walked out. I stood there, biting down on my bottom lip. He seemed stressed. Maybe I was imaging things. No. He had a stressed look on his face and it made me wonder what was going on.





Chapter Eight


Jillian



I took the elevator down to the restaurant to have breakfast before I started my day. I felt great today. I slept like a baby all night for the first time in years. As the hostess was taking me to my table, I saw Drew and Jess. I pretended not to notice them, but she called me out as I walked by.

“Jillian.”

I stopped and plastered on my perfected smile. “Good morning,” I spoke.

“Good morning.” Drew gave a small smile.

“Do you have dinner plans for tonight?” Jess asked.

Shit. Really? Oh God, no. I started to fumble with my words and just thought to hell with it. She’d know I was lying.

“No. Actually, I don’t.”

“Excellent. Drew and I would love for you to join us. Right, baby?” she asked as she placed her hand on his.