Chapter 3The Runaways

"Run where?"

"A private island in Southeast Asia. No visas needed. We disappear for two weeks. No phones, no heartbreak. Just sun and booze. What do you say?"

I had vacation days saved up. Sam was a freelancer.

It sounded... perfect.

"Let's do it."

Sam booked the tickets immediately. "We leave the day after tomorrow!"

But I was weak. Before we left, I wanted to see Julian one last time.

I heard he was attending a charity gala. I put on a dress and went.

As usual, I hid in a corner, scanning the room like a creeper.

Five minutes in, Julian walked in. He looked like a Greek statue in a tuxedo.

I shrank back into the shadows.

Was his fiancée here? She must be so happy.

The thought made my chest ache. I decided to leave before I saw them together.

But I got caught.

"Sarah?"

It was Kyle, one of Sam’s friends.

"Kyle," I smiled weakly.

"Here alone? Where's Sam?"

"He's not here."

"Heading out?" Kyle noticed me edging toward the door. "I'll give you a ride. I'm leaving too. Just let me say bye to someone."

Before I could refuse, Kyle walked off.

I looked around. Julian was gone.

"Who are you looking for?"

I spun around.

Julian was standing right behind me.

He always did this. He always found me.

"No one," I lied. "You're here."

He smiled. "I am."

"Are you... alone?" I asked carefully.

"Yes," he said. "Who else would I be with?"

The words Where is your fiancée? stuck in my throat.

I reached into my purse and pulled out a small box. "This is for you."

"What is it?"

"A tie clip."

I had bought it weeks ago. If I didn't give it to him now, I never would. It was custom engraved with his initials.

Julian opened it. "Thank you. I like it."

"Do you want to try it on?"

"Sure." He handed it back to me.

Me: "?"

"Aren't you going to put it on me?"

He stood there, chest out, totally natural.

I hesitated, then stepped closer. My hands shook as I slid the clip onto his tie.

I looked up. He was staring down at me.

"How does it look?"

My heart was drumming against my ribs. "Good."

He smiled.

I was mesmerized.

"Sarah?" Kyle was back. "Ready to go?"

"Bunny?" Julian interrupted. (Note: My family nickname).

His smile was polite but terrifying.

"It's my nickname," I explained quickly.

"Ah. You two must be close if he knows your nickname."

Julian was smiling, but the air felt cold.

"He's my brother's friend."

Kyle extended a hand. "Kyle. Nice to meet you."

Julian shook it. "Julian."

I felt like I was suffocating. "Kyle, let's go."

Julian looked at me. "Kyle?"

He was turning into a parrot.

"I'm leaving now," I said.

Julian didn't speak.

"Oh," I took a deep breath. "Happy engagement."

I whispered it.

Julian frowned. "What did you say?"

I didn't have the guts to repeat it. I grabbed Kyle and ran.

When I got home, Sam was drunk.

"Went to see Julian again? You sneak."

I didn't deny it.

"You never learn," he sighed. "Still a coward. No wonder he's marrying someone else."

"You went to the bar again?" I countered.

"Yep."

"You never learn," I shot back. "Still a slut. No wonder Adrian is marrying someone else."

Sam: "..."