Chapter 71 Gayle
G AYLE
Gayle and Mike are so shaken by the encounter with Christian that they leave their meals unfinished. When they return to their suite, they don’t turn on the TV or take out their screens, or call any of the children like they have on other nights. Instead, they hug steaming mugs of hot chocolate while Mike convinces himself that saying Elena’s name to Christian wasn’t his fault.
The incident has left Gayle more certain than ever that something sinister is about to go down at Hotel Il Cuore. She has a sick feeling about Saturday.
Outside the rain continues to pelt down.
Gayle’s phone pings with a message from Noah. Seeing his name on the screen makes her heart leap.
Lizzie said you’re planning to come to LA.
Were you ever going to tell me about this or were you just planning to turn up unannounced?
She’s taken aback by his tone.
Hi sugar.
I was going to check dates with you once we got home from Italy.
Pop coming with you?
‘Who’s messaging you?’ Mike asks.
‘It’s Noah.’
‘Has he woken up to himself yet?’
Pop’s not quite ready to come visit yet. I’m sure he’ll come around soon.
If you don’t care enough about me to stand up to him, don’t bother coming at all.
‘Show me what he’s saying,’ Mike says.
She hands over her phone, not because she wants Mike to read what Noah said but because she’s given up.