Chapter 19
Chapter Nineteen
CHLOE
Ismooth down the dark-blue satin of my dress one final time, then slip my gray coat over it, tying the belt tightly around my waist. This outfit was a splurge and supposed to be for the ball tomorrow night, but I wanted to look special for Drew. I hope he doesn’t mind that I’ll be wearing it twice.
Outside the resort windows, snow falls softly, frosting the trees in a fresh white blanket.
My stomach tightens with excitement. After last night’s carriage ride, I’ve barely been able to stop replaying every moment in my head.
I can still feel Drew’s body pressed next to mine and remember how natural it felt to rest my head on his shoulder.
Glancing at the clock, I realize it’s already seven-fifteen. Grabbing my purse, I hurry down to the lobby. I hope he’s not mad that I’m running late. Drew’s usually right on time, if not early.
The elevator doors open into the bustling lobby, but Drew’s nowhere in sight. Strange. But it is snowing. Maybe he just got caught up. Trying not to worry, I wander closer to the grand piano, nodding politely as the resort’s pianist launches into a soft rendition of “White Christmas.”
A half hour slips away. By seven forty-five, anxiety begins to take hold. I check my phone. There’s no missed calls or texts.
This isn’t just nerves. This is fear and history repeating itself. Nick didn’t text either. He vanished the day I thought he’d be there, and the silence was louder than any apology could have been.
And now? I know Drew isn’t Nick. But silence feels the same, no matter who it comes from.
I shoot Drew a quick message:
Chloe: Hey. Just checking in. I’m in the lobby. Are you nearby?
A minute stretches into ten, then fifteen, without a response. My heart sinks. Did he change his mind? Was last night too much, too soon?
I try calling, but it rings straight to voicemail. My heart sinks further.
Swallowing down rising panic, I pull up my messages with Emma.
Chloe: Sorry to bug you, Em, but you haven’t been in touch with Drew lately, have you?
My phone screen lights up with Emma’s name a minute later.
“Hey, Clo. What’s up? Is something wrong?”
“Emma.” I move away from the pianist, trying to keep my voice steady. “Drew was supposed to meet me for the sleigh ride at seven, but he hasn’t shown and he’s not answering my messages.”
“Wait, really? Weird. We got home an hour ago, and he said he was gonna shower and head right back out. Hang on.” I hear footsteps and the sound of a door creaking open. “Drew? Are you decent?” Emma’s voice fades briefly, muffled, before she returns to the phone. “Chloe?”
“Still here.”
“He’s asleep. Like, deep asleep. I shouted his name, and he didn’t even flinch. I knew he was exhausted, but wow.”
“Oh.” My chest tightens painfully. Disappointment flows through me. Why didn’t he just tell me he was too tired? “I guess that explains it.”
Emma sighs sympathetically. “Drew’s so stubborn. He never knows his own limits. That dumb fish tank isn’t worth all the stress.”
I pause, confused. “Fish tank?”
She hesitates, then continues quickly, sounding slightly guilty. “Yeah, it’s this aquarium thing he’s been obsessively working on for Mr. Mynt for tomorrow’s ball. Honestly, it’s been driving him crazy.”
I let out a slow breath, my hurt softening into reluctant understanding. He’s been pushing himself way too hard. Typical Drew, always giving a hundred percent.
“Do you want me to wake him?” Emma asks quietly. “I don’t mind.”
“No,” I reply. “If he’s that exhausted, let him sleep.”
“I’m sorry, Chloe. I know he really wanted to be with you tonight.”
I bite my lip, glancing wistfully toward the guests headed to the sleigh ride. “I know. Hey, since I’m free tonight, do you want to meet up?”
“Duh. You know me. I’m always down for some quality girl time. Give me twenty minutes. And for what it’s worth, I promise to make sure Drew makes this up to you.”
I hang up, but I don’t move. The music drifts around me, cheerful and bright, but it only seems to highlight the hollow ache in my chest. This was supposed to be our night. I wore this dress, curled my hair, and did my makeup just for him.
I glance toward the sleighs lining up outside, horses snorting gently in the cold. Couples bundle closer together, laughter echoing like bells. I want to be angry, but I get it. He has other things to worry about besides me.
Slowly, I pull out my phone and type out a message to Drew.
Chloe: Heard from Emma you’re asleep. Get some rest. We’ll talk tomorrow.
I hit Send, then slide the phone back into my purse. At least I’ll get to see Emma and tonight won’t be a total wipeout.