“Oh my God,” Ryan said quietly, sinking down onto a bar stool. “I, I didn’t
realize they were that involved.”
“Yeah, neither did I,” Hayley said. “Well, really, I don’t think they are.”
Ryan looked at her then with something resembling hope in his eyes.
“Gillian told me that they’ve never actually.....consummated their
relationship.
She never wanted to, Ryan. All she could think of was you. I doubt sheeven
wants to go on this trip, not really. It’s all Jake’s idea. He can tellthat
she’s been holding back and he thinks this trip with fix everything.But
Gillian’s still in love with you, Ryan.”
“She told you that?”
“She’s told me thousands of times and, even if she hadn’t, it’s so obvious in
everything she does and says. She’s only going with Jake because she’sgiven
up on you. She thinks you don’t love her anymore, that you never willagain.
I think she even wonders if you ever did.”
“I have to make this right,” Ryan said, quietly.
“Ryan, there’s more to it then that. I told you she thinks there’s no
hope for thetwo of you. She has no reason to hold out anymore. This weekend is
supposed to be their big romantic trip. I mean, well, after tonight your
nightmare may not be so far fetched.”
“Oh, God.......She is my wife.”
“Well, not anymore, Ryan. And, he definitely plans on sleeping with
her. Gillian
told me he booked one cozy little suite. I think that’s the purpose ofthis
entire trip. You know, the further she is away from you, the morelikely she
is to -”
“I’ve got to find her,” he interrupted.
“Ryan, I hate to sound apathetic but, Gillian’s had lots of men
before you.....”
“But none after me. I know you probably think that’s
male-chauvinistic, but I
can’t help it. How would you feel if Mateo had slept with Raquel again- even
if it wasonly one night? The thought of anyone’s else’s hands on Gillian...kills
me inside. I can't let it happen.”
“Okay. All right. Um, Gillian said they’re staying at a resort near
Virginia Beach.Do you know the area?”
“Yeah, I’ve been there a couple of times.”
Hayley’s face lit up and she spun around.
“Here,” she said, grabbing the brochure that still sat on the bar behind her.
“Gillian left this. It’s a pamphlet for the resort they’re staying at.”
She turned the paper so Ryan could see it. “Paradise Beach Resort,” he read.
“Yeah,” Hayley said. “And, I’ll bet...Let me see,” she turned the
paper around and
began to look through it. “Yes, right here,” she said, showing Ryan.“Here’s
a map with directions.”
“Perfect,” he said, grabbing the brochure and running towards the door.
“Ryan, good luck!” she called off after him, watching as he left in a
whirlwind.
Hayley stood at the bar, smiling to herself. “Well, Gillian, you said
it was theperfect place to fall in love all over again. You have no idea how
right you are!”
