Part 51 (2/2)

'He's my ex.'

I think for a moment, then check: 'The ex from Carmel?'

She nods.

He's older, yes, but not shockingly so why would everyone be whispering and pointing? I wonder if he's a known crim- 'He came to say goodbye,' she says, wistfully.

'Where's he going?'

'Nowhere,' Elise tuts. 'Goodbye to our past. Martha said I needed some closure-'

'Is that what they're calling it these days!' I can't help but snipe.

Elise takes a deep breath. 'I promised my mother I would never see him again but tonight I realized I have to do what's right for me.'

Oh gawd, that'll be my fault with all the 'if you're happy, I'm happy' roleplay. I should never have got involved.

'In order to give myself fully to Elliot, I had to find a way to let go.' Elise continues.

'Of what, your inhibitions?' I can't stop myself, I've waited too long to snark back at her and now she's given me a prime excuse.

'Yes I kissed him but that's it, the end.' Elise implores me to believe her.

I am utterly unconvinced. 'Is it? What happens when he needs closure on your closure?'

'If you're going to be-'

'What?' I snort. 'Vaguely suspicious when I walk in on my best friend's fiancee kissing some other guy?'

Elise looks down at the ground. For a moment I see the forlorn little girl that was crying in my arms. Oh what's the point in yelling at her? Elliot doesn't want her anyway at least that's what he says she can do what she likes. It's nothing to do with me.

'I'll see you later.' I turn to walk away.

'If you knew what Elliot and I have planned, you wouldn't be so quick to judge.'

There's only one thing that would make sense of her summoning up the love of her life shortly before her marriage to another man. 'Polygamy?' I suggest.

'Oh b.o.l.l.o.c.ks to you!' she spits, turning on her heel.

'Always a pleasure, Elise!' I call after her.

But she doesn't hear.

I stand alone in the darkness. 'What Elliot and I have planned ...' she said. Then it's not done. Apparently they both get to kiss other people but they still have plans together.

As for me, I have no plans at all. I wonder if there's a cla.s.s called How To Cope When You Discover That Nothing In Your Life Is What It Seemed...

Chapter 38.

What a trip this has turned out to be. I knew I'd clash with Elise eventually but there is no way I could have predicted these circ.u.mstances. I expel a long breath and then go in search of a bench away from chanters and people trying to rearrange their body parts into a Pica.s.so painting. I arrange my own into a lotus position and close my eyes just in case any one comes by, they'll think I'm meditating and leave me in peace.

Drinnnnng!

Ah. I forgot the first rule of inner peace turn off all cellphones. Ah well, seeing as I'm faking, I flip it open.

'Lara?'

'Sasha!' I instantly cheer up.

'You'll never guess where I am.'

'Give me a clue!'

There's a strange moaning grunt in the background.

'Was that an elephant?' I query.

'Yes.'

'Are you in Africa?'

'No!' she laughs. 'But it's the next best thing - Ty's brought me to Shambala!'

'Really?' Should that mean something to me?

'It's this amazing animal sanctuary over in the Santa Clarita mountains, it's run by Tippi Hedren!'

'Melanie Griffiths's mum?'

'The very same! We just had dinner with her.'

'You're kidding!'

'It's one of the things they do to raise money for the Roar Foundation. Ty said I needed a break before the big day and he just spirited me here!'

That boy has really come through in a big way. 'So, what's it like?' I ask.

'Lovely so many more trees and s.p.a.ce than Tiger Tiger and a big river ...' Sasha sighs. 'We're staying overnight in this safari tent absolutely everything is leopard print it's just like Jungle Rock but without the walls!' Sasha laughs.

'Where's Ty?'

'He's just gone to make some calls.'

<script>