Part 56 (2/2)

'Really?'

'Really. I like myself when I'm with you. I can't always say that.'

I'm touched. It's nice to think that maybe I gave a little something back after all the good he gave me.

'G.o.d!' I heave a sigh. 'I don't want to say goodbye to you!'

'Then don't. Just say good luck, and I'll say the same to you.'

He leans forward and kisses me on the forehead, letting his lips rest there for a full minute. It's strange but if I never see him again I'll still feel that we had a complete experience with each other. That doesn't stop the first tear streaking my cheek, however. I reach out and pull myself into his chest one last time, letting a little run of tears sink into his s.h.i.+rt. River deep, mountain high. That's how I'll always think of Joel. To the max!

I listen a while to the soothing beat of his heart then slowly release my grasp. Keeping my eyes tightly closed, I count to a hundred. When I open them again he's gone.

Chapter 41.

The party is over. It's time to wend our way to what will be our home for the next week.

I find Sasha lying in a contented heap on Ty's chest. In turn she has a conked-out Theo nestled in the crook of her arm.

I kneel down beside her and whisper so as not to disturb her new family. 'Are you coming?'

She lifts her head and looks imploringly at me. 'Would you mind if I stayed? There's so much to clear up and I just want to revel in it all a bit longer.'

'No rush, come tomorrow when you're ready.' I lean over and kiss her forehead, then Ty's, then rumple Theo goodbye.

Sasha pulls me back. 'Zo's going with you, isn't she?'

'I'm just going to get her now,' I tell her.

Last time I saw her she was snogging Joshalike over by the cubs' paddling pool. Ah yes. They're still at it.

I cough a little as I approach.

They continue oblivious.

I cough more. In the direct vicinity of Zo's ear. She looks up, practically cross-eyed with l.u.s.t.

'Huh?'

'Ready to make a move?' I ask her.

She looks uncertain.

'You can bring him,' I suggest.

'She's coming back to mine,' Joshalike croaks.

'He's got an audition first thing tomorrow morning it makes more sense-'

'Okay!' I concede. 'I'll see you later.'

'You'll be with Sasha?' Zo checks.

'Actually she's staying, but obviously Helen's going back so-'

'Give us a hug!' Zo reaches for my hand.

I lean over and embrace her, inadvertently inhaling Joshalike. He smells divine. Little wonder she feels compelled to go with him.

'You two be good!' I pull away, quickly refilling my nostrils for the road.

'I'm always good!' Zo winks.

G.o.d, they're dropping like flies. At this rate it's just going to be me and the ghost of Kate Morgan.

Helen and Reuben, however, are already in the parking lot, raring to go.

'Lara!' Helen beckons me over. 'We just heard there's this great break going off in Mexico, if we drive down there now we should make it by sunrise.'

'Do you want come with us?' Reuben asks.

'Um,' I hesitate, not quite sure what to say.

'Don't be silly they're all gagging to get to the Beach House,' Helen dismisses his invitation on my behalf.

'Yeah!' I faux-cheer.

'I bet Elliot'll be there waiting when you get there.'

I look up. I can't believe I'm still hoping. 'Do you really think so?'

'Where else is he going to go?' Helen reasons.

Not quite the romantic encouragement I was hoping for.

'You don't think it's weird that he didn't show up here?' I worry.

'Not really, none of us expected the party to go on so long,' Helen shrugs. 'I told him before that we'd probably be back in San Diego by 10pm.'

I look at my watch. It's now 2am.

'We should get going,' Reuben says and places a hand on Helen's back.

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