by Grey , S. R.
Huh.
Carefully, I extricated myself from under Maisie, laying her back down gently on the pillows.
Then I grabbed my phone.
The text was from one of my Team USA teammates, Blake Cavaletti. After the championships had ended, he’d changed his original plans to go back to New York, and had instead embarked on a tour of Europe.
Apparently, he was back in Stockholm, preparing to fly back over to the States now. That was what he wrote in his first text.
There was another from him too, and that one read: Guess who just got traded to the Las Vegas Wolves? Yep, yours truly did.
I ran my hand down my face, grinning. This was awesome news.
I’d been hoping that the team would pick up Blake. He was a talented right winger, and a great addition to the Wolves organization.
He’d sent the messages not that long ago, so I texted him back.
Me: I can’t believe it, man. I am so amped. You’re going to love playing for the Wolves.
My phone dinged within seconds.
Blake: I’m looking forward to it.
Me: Me too. Who did they trade for you?
Blake: Some dude named Drew Chidders.
Me: Ugh. He’s a douche. Good riddance.
Blake went on to tell me his flight was later tonight.
And then he wrote: Would you want to meet up for a quick drink before I head to the airport? I’m at the hotel right now. We can celebrate my coming to the Wolves and talk more in person.
I looked over at Maisie, sleeping soundly. I then felt her forehead. Her fever appeared to have broken.
Good.
I didn’t see any harm in leaving for a short while, so I told Blake that yes, I’d meet him downstairs.
A short while later, he and I were in the hotel bar, the same place where I’d first laid eyes on Maisie. Thank God the bartender from that night wasn’t working. I didn’t feel like dealing with his death stares. Blake and I were having too much of a good time for that bullshit.
We were talking about the Wolves, Las Vegas, and the upcoming season.
“Yeah,” Blake said, “once I’m back in New York, I’ll start preparing for my move.”
I assured him, “You’re going to love Vegas, man. The guys on the team are great. We have such a good time out there.”
“I bet,” he replied. “I’m really looking forward to this season.”
Blake was clearly excited to join the team, which was great. Enthusiastic players like him were what led to championship seasons.
After taking a long pull from my bottled beer, I said, “Do you think you’ll be moved in by training camp?”
He nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure of it. I’d like to get settled as soon as possible. I’m not much of a procrastinator.”
“Cool.”
Blake told me he was also glad he already had a friend on the team, meaning me.
I said, “For sure.”
We had so much catching up to do and things to plan for once he was in Vegas. We discussed all that and the next thing I knew, we’d been at the bar for a couple of hours.
“Fuck.” Blake looked down at his watch. “I better get rolling, or I’m going to miss my flight.”
“Shit, you’re right. Go, go. I should check in on Maisie, anyway. We’ve been here for a long time.”
“We have. At least three hours.”
“Yeah.”
I’d told Blake about the amazing woman I’d met in Stockholm. I had shown him pictures on my phone too, ones we’d taken when we were in Oslo.
“Wow, man, she is really fucking pretty,” Blake had said.
I’d turned the phone back my way, smiling down at the image of the woman I loved, murmuring, “I know, right?”
Blake thought it had to have been fate that brought us together, seeing as we lived in neighboring states but probably would have never met.
Thank God for Stockholm.
I also had told Blake I’d fallen in love with Maisie, but had yet to tell her.
And that was the subject Blake returned to before he left.
Standing, he said, “Hey, about Maisie. Can I say one thing before I go?”
“Yeah, sure. What’s up?”
He cleared his throat. And then he looked at me like I better damn well listen up.
Finally, he said, “You should definitely let Maisie know how you feel. It’s never a good idea to wait on these kinds of things. Get it out there, Noel, show your hand. You just don’t know when the moment could be lost.”
Nodding, I agreed wholeheartedly, “Yeah, you’re right. I plan to tell her real soon.”
Blake was insistent, though, his dark brown eyes somber.
“No, seriously, dude. There is no time like the fucking present. Tell her how much you care about her as soon as you’re back up in that room.”
He had a point.
Why put it off?
Blowing out a breath, I said, “You’re absolutely right. I’m on it, don’t worry. As soon as I see her, I’m going to tell Maisie that I love her.”
He patted me on the shoulder. “Good, man.”
Well, it was official.
Tonight would be the night I’d profess my love to Maisie Troy.
Plans Altered
I woke up feeling much better. My fever was gone, and I had some actual energy.
This is great!
I got up out of bed and stretched, glancing around the room.
Noel wasn’t there, so I assumed he’d gone out to wrangle us up some dinner. He had to have been as tired of room service as I was. I sure had bitched about it enough before getting sick.
I felt so good and refreshed that I wanted to freshen up, so I made my way to the bathroom.
After shedding my pajamas onto the cool tile floor, I jumped in the tub, enjoying a long, hot shower. I felt so good I even washed my hair…twice.
Only problem was after I got out and toweled off, I realized the only clothes I had in Noel’s room were the jeans and long-sleeved tee I‘d had on yesterday.
And those were gross.
I looked down at the discarded garments, draped over a hamper. No way was I putting “sick clothes” back on for the whole rest of the day.
I would have to go up to my room and retrieve some fresh clothing.
After I slipped on panties and a bra, which I also planned to swap out, I unfortunately had to don the tee and jeans for the time being, along with my beat-up Chucks.
I thought about leaving a short note for Noel, informing him of where I was going, but I wasn’t going to be gone long enough to warrant it. I’d probably make it back to the room before him.
Grabbing the key card, I left.
The elevator was slow, and it felt like forever before I reached my floor.
Finally, I was making my way down the long hall to my suite.
But at the door, before I even waved the key card in front of the lock, something felt off.
I couldn’t put my finger on what it was, though, that was bothering me.
Only once I stepped into the room, and the door had closed behind me, did it hit me.
Holy shit! I hadn’t needed to use my key card!
The door had been ever-so-slightly ajar.
How had I not noticed something so major?
I was clearly still not myself.
But I did realize one thing—I needed to turn around and haul my ass out of there.
Last thing I wanted was to come face-to-face with an intruder, not in my weakened condition.
Squeezing my eyes shut and gritting my teeth—hoping too I had not been discovered—I spun around, ready to make a run for the door.
But before I took a single step, someone emerged from the bathroom.
I froze, and then a deep male rang out, “Maisie? Maisie Troy? Is that you?”
I stayed frozen.
Yikes.
He’d said my name.
This was someone who knew me.
But who knew me i
n Stockholm?
Only Noel.
And it wasn’t his voice I’d heard.
I started freaking out, keeping cool on the outside, though.
Opening my eyes, I slowly reached for the doorknob. Maybe I could still sneak out of here.
Too late.
Someone placed a hand over mine.
Help!
“Not so fast there,” the strange male said. “I’m not going to hurt you, but we need to talk.”
He moved his hand away from mine, telling me, “Turn around and face me.”
I’m trapped.
Slowly, I turned around, backing up as I did, and only stopping once I could slump against the door.
I needed it for support or I would pass out.
Before me stood a tall man in a black suit, about thirty, with dark blond hair and icy blue eyes.
His cold stare gave me a chill.
Or maybe it was my illness causing that.
“I’m Robert,” he said all formally. “I’m Gary’s accountant.”
It all fell into place then, and I murmured a shaky, “Oh, fuck.”
He smiled smugly. “Fuck is right, Ms. Troy.”
I was so busted.
“Uh, I guess you discovered the charges on the room and realized the Juice King wasn’t here.”
“Among other things,” he replied.
A curious response, so I asked, “What other things?”
“Let’s just say your mother finally decided to share with my client that you’ve been utilizing his suite for quite some time.”
Pressing back into the door as much as I could, wishing I could just disappear to the other side, I squeaked out, “Has it really been all that long?”
“It’s been a couple of months, yes.”
Had I been in Sweden that long?
Noel made the time go so fast.
Noel…
He was going to find out everything about me now, all my secrets. And he’d probably end up hating me.
Ugh, I should’ve told him when I had the chance. Coming clean once you’re busted doesn’t carry too much weight.
I was sure Noel would see it that way too.
“I am so, so fucked,” I mumbled, choking up.
“Yes, you are, Ms. Troy.” Robert chuckled like he was enjoying this far too much. “You owe my client quite a bit of money.”
“Wait, what?” I was stunned. “You do realize there’s no way I can ever pay him back.”
“We don’t expect you to,” he said.
I breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank God.”
“Not so fast there.”
Robert narrowed his cold eyes at me.
I didn’t think he liked me very much.
“What we do expect you to do,” he continued, his voice hardening, “is to pack up your shit and get the fuck out of here. We don’t want you ever coming back.”
He was scaring me, and I nodded profusely.
“Okay, I can do that. But can I talk to someone first?”
He barked out a humorless laugh. “If you mean speak with that guy you’ve been fucking, the answer is no. We want you gone from the premises as soon as possible. In fact, I’ll help you gather your things.”
He spun around and walked over to the closet where my suitcase was stored.
How does he know so much?
He must’ve cased the place before I returned. Maybe he even followed me. That would explain how he knew about Noel.
But I wasn’t just “fucking” Noel. I loved him.
And now he’d never know.
Grabbing my suitcase from the closet roughly, Robert tossed it out onto the floor, where it popped open.
In a purely business tone, he said, “Now get packing, Ms. Troy.”
“B-but I have nowhere to go,” I protested, not knowing if Noel would want me anywhere near him once he knew the truth.
Flatly, Robert said, “Don’t worry about that. You’re going home.”
“Yeah, good luck with that.” I laughed. “I have no money for a plane ticket. Why do you think I stayed in the first place?”
Robert slipped a piece of paper from his suit pocket and handed it over to me.
“Here,” he said. “That’s your flight info. My client bought you a one-way ticket to Las Vegas, Nevada. I have some pocket money for you too. I’m sure you can find your way home to Two Palms from there, right?”
“Do I have a choice?” I murmured.
“No.”
I sighed, and he said, “I’m warning you, Ms. Troy. If you do not go straight to the airport, my client will press charges. We don’t want you just gone from this room; we want you out of the country.”
It was ironic. I’d wanted a plane ticket home for so long, so much so that I had duped Noel into caring for me.
But now that he did care for me and I had a ticket home, I didn’t want to go.
I couldn’t leave Noel.
But what choice did I have?
This man wasn’t about to let me stay.
It was clear from his stance as he stood there looking at me disdainfully that he meant business. I had no doubt he’d call the police if I protested, or tried to outsmart him.
What would I do anyway?
Run to Noel for help?
Ha, he was about to be done with me, he just didn’t know it yet.
He would find out the truth soon enough, though. And he’d know I wasn’t who he thought I was.
Clearing my throat, I asked Robert, “Is it okay if I write a note? We could pin it on the outside of the door.”
He surprisingly agreed. “Sure, I don’t see why not.”
Before he changed his mind—or I did—I hastily penned my goodbye.
Noel,
I hate having to hurt you, but I’ve come to realize we can never be.
See, I’m not who you think I am. I never was. All this time, I’ve just been an illusion.
That’s why I have to go now.
Please know that I’m sorry for everything.
But mostly, I’m sorry I hurt you.
Maisie
After Noel discovered our whole relationship was built on lies, he’d never want to see or talk to me ever again. I was sure of it.
That thought made me want to cry.
And tears did fill my eyes as I taped the note to the outside of the door, hoping no one would bother it.
I then began to gather my things.
Robert, making good on his promise, helped me pack.
As he handed me a makeup bag he retrieved from the bathroom, he said, “You’re actually lucky my client was kind enough to buy you passage home.”
Swiping away a tear, I replied, “Yeah, why’s that? My mom is dating him, after all. I highly doubt he’d make her mad by leaving me stranded out on the street.”
“They’re not dating anymore,” Robert informed me. “They broke up a couple of weeks ago.”
“What?” I gasped. “My mom never thought to call and tell me this?”
He shrugged, and I asked, “Or are you saying she just now told your client I was here?”
“I’m afraid, yes, that’s what occurred,” he replied. “Your mother and my client spoke on the phone recently. She fessed up then.”
Another dagger reamed through my heart. I couldn’t believe I had such a thoughtless mother.
But it was par for the course.
“Where is she now?” I asked. “My mother, that is.”
Robert shrugged. “In Two Palms, I assume. That is your home, yes?”
“Not anymore,” I muttered, but softly so Robert wouldn’t hear.
One thing was now certain—armed with this update, there was no way in hell I was ever going back to Arizona.
I also planned to make sure no one could ever find me.
She’s Gone
Before I went back to my hotel room, I picked up some food from a street vendor outside the hotel.
Maisie had to be hungry, right?
Chicken brot
h could only take you so far, and I knew how much she loved those open-faced shrimp and cucumber sandwiches.
But when I went upstairs with the bag containing our dinner, Maisie wasn’t in the room.
“That’s weird,” I said as I set the bag of wrapped sandwiches down on the dresser. “Maybe she went up to her room to grab some clean clothes?”
After checking the bathroom, where her pajamas lay strewn out on the floor, I felt sure that she’d definitely gone to her room to get fresh clothes. Based on not just the discarded sleepwear, but the damp towel as well, I also surmised she had taken a shower.
Fantastic.
Maisie was feeling better.
I was pumped, thinking how she’d be back any minute. We could talk; I could tell her I loved her. Ah, life was good.
Whistling, I cleared off the little table by the window and took our sandwiches out of the bag.
We had water in the mini-fridge, so I grabbed two bottles.
And then I finally took a seat at the tiny table.
Time ticked by, but no Maisie.
Fifteen minutes passed, then thirty.
Next thing I knew it’d been over an hour, and still, Maisie had not come back.
This is weird.
“What could be taking her so long?” I wondered out loud as I ran my hand down my face. “I guess she could have fallen asleep in her room, right?”
Or maybe she just didn’t have the energy to come back down.
The thought of Maisie in distress was unacceptable.
“That’s it.” I jumped up. “I better go see what’s going on.”
On the elevator ride up to her floor, I had this weird, overwhelmingly bad feeling.
Shit, I hope Maisie didn’t have a relapse.
If that were the case, I’d just have to stay up in her room with her.
Damn, I was feeling even more off by the time I reached her floor and stepped out of the elevator.
It was eerie in the hall too, which didn’t help matters. Everything was so quiet, not a person in sight.
As I started down the hall, I noticed a piece of paper was taped to the door to Maisie’s suite.
What the…?
I picked up the pace, walking faster.
And then I started jogging when I saw the paper contained a handwritten note of some sort.