“True. Oh! Dru and Richard texted. They’re already there and claimed the blue room. That means you and Al will be in the yellow room.”
The blood drains from my face. “What?”
“It’s not as big as the blue room, but I think you’ll be comfortable in the double size bed.”
Bed? As in a single bed? I feel like I’m going to pass out.
“Jasmine, you said there were enough rooms for everyone.”
“There are. Me and Jafar. Dru and Rich. You and Al.”
Al holds up his hands. “I didn’t know either, but I’m game if you are.”
My stomach roils and I fear I’m going to be sick. This can’t be happening. My phone dings, and I glance at the screen as I try to gain control of my emotions. I need to think before I speak, or else I’ll have to deal with Jasmine’s wrath.
Gemma
Hey girl. Is everything okay? Everyone is worried since you’re usually on time.
I’m with Jasmine. We’re on our way to Water Mills for the weekend.
Water Mills?
You know it’s usually common courtesy to let people know when you’re bailing for the weekend. Especially since the gala is in two weeks.
What do you mean? Jasmine said she spoke to everyone, and that you all knew!
I’m sitting here with everyone, and this is the first we’re hearing about it.
I am so sorry! You know this isn’t like me. I can see if they can drop me off.
I do a mental calculation. We’ve been on the road for over two hours. There’s no telling how much it will cost to get a cab or even an Uber. Maybe there’s a bus station nearby?
You know what? Don’t worry about it. We’ll see you on Monday. Have fun.
I drop my phone in my lap, feeling like I’ve let everyone down.
Al asks, “Everything okay?”
I look at Jasmine. “You told me you talked to the team, and that they said to take the weekend off.” My voice quivers as I continue, “Gemma just texted, asking where I’m at. You didn’t talk to them, did you?”
“Come on, Ellie. I knew you wouldn’t go unless I said that.”
“So, you made the choice for me, making me look unprofessional?”
“Unprofessional?” She snorts. “This isn’t yourjob, Ellie. Your job is back in Kansas, remember?”
“Itismy job for the next two weeks. If they’ll even have me back now.”
Jasmine doesn’t answer and turns around. I type on my phone, searching for a bus station.
“Jafar, can you drop me off in the next town? There’s a bus station with one more bus heading back to the city that leaves at three.”
My voice breaks, betraying just how close to tears I am.
Jasmine huffs under her breath. “For the love of god.”
Al says, “It would be a shame if you left.”