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I think back to Orlando—to the morning we watched manatees drift through the clear water at Blue Spring. I remember the way the sun felt on the water and how simple everything seemed when we were just hunting for shark teeth on the beach. What I wouldn’t give to be back there with him right now.
The lobby of the aparthotel is too bright. The background music, too cheerful. I barely offer a nod to the receptionist as I head for the elevator. I stare at my reflection in the mirrored walls—I look like a lifeless stranger in plum.
When I get to my room, I push open the door and stop. The space is exactly how I left it this morning. Clean. There are no half-empty coffee cups, clothing draped over the back of the chair, or papers on the table. It doesn’t look lived in.
I head into the bedroom and peel off the dress, trading it for an old T-shirt and my rattiest, most comfortable pair of Hello Kitty pajama pants. I sit on the sofa and load Netflix, navigating straight to Stars Hollow. If I’m going to spend the evening alone, I’m doing it with my ultimate comfort show—Gilmore Girls.
The opening credits haven’t even finished before I realize I’m starving. I pull out my phone and place an order for kung pao chicken, rice, bao buns, and steamed veggies. It’s my slightly modified version of the Gilmore diet. Mostly carby comfort food to numb the pub disaster, but with just enough steamed greens to keep my conscience from completely imploding Especially on nights like this.
As I click out of the delivery app, I notice an email notification from the building’s management.
From: [email protected]
Subject: Regarding Your Departure
Dear Ms. Keller,
We hope you’ve enjoyed your stay with us here at the Stratford Extend-A-Stay. Here are a few notes regarding your upcoming departure next week.
1) We kindly ask that you check out of your room on your check-out day no later than 12 p.m.
2) Return all keys to the front desk clerk. Failure to do so will result in a £50 fee.
3) A preview of your final bill will be made available to you 24 hours before your departure. If you have any discrepancies, please visit the front desk.
I stop reading after number three. Checking out had always been the plan. I’d booked the room through the end of my trial period and left my return flight open-ended until Drew made his decision about me.
Now, instead of heading to the airport, I’ll be adjusting the date of my departure while I hunt for an apartment and sort out the details of my new life. It feels so surreal.
My phone buzzes against the cushion beside me.
Max
Did you get home all right?
I stare at the message for a long moment. Six stupidly normal words after everything that happened in that pub.
Katie
Yeah.
The typing bubble appears almost instantly. Disappears. Comes back. Disappears again.
Eventually, another message pops up.
Max
I’m sorry about tonight.
My throat tightens, because somehow, this message is worse than if he’d said nothing at all. I don’t trust myself to answer him right now, so I flip the phone screen down on the cushion.
A second later, it vibrates again.
Zoe
Hey, girl, are you out and about with your man celebrating?
