Chapter 3
Me and Natalie slept in — hard. By the time I finally blinked awake, sunlight was pouring through the curtains like it had been waiting for me for hours. I rolled over, grabbed my phone from the nightstand, and nearly choked when I saw the time.
1:00 p.m.
I shot upright, heart racing. “Oh my god,” I muttered, slipping into my slippers. I was still in an oversized T‑shirt and shorts as I hurried out of the room.
The cabin was empty. Quiet. Too quiet.
When I stepped outside, I found everyone gathered around the fire pit, drinks in hand, talking like they’d been up for hours.
“Hey!” I called out. “Why didn’t any of you wake me and Natalie up?”
Nicholas looked over, shrugging. “We were going to, but you two looked exhausted. We figured we’d let you sleep.”
“Well… thanks, I guess,” I said, dropping into a chair beside Brianna. “I wanted to get up early and shower, but whatever. I’ll do it now.”
Jacob handed me a drink. “Here.”
“Thanks,” I said, taking it.
I nudged Brianna. “Go wake up Natalie?”
She groaned dramatically. “Sure. I’ll go deal with the bear in there.”
Everyone laughed as she headed inside.
Angela leaned forward. “Finn told us you overheard us talking about you yesterday. I’m sorry if we made you feel like you’re in the spotlight. We know you’ve been through a lot, and we can see you’re trying to enjoy this trip and stay present.”
I leaned back in my chair, exhaling. “I’m not upset. I just… don’t want to be the center of attention. I came here to have a good time, not to relive everything with Chase.”
“You’re right,” Angela said softly. “We’re sorry.”
“It’s fine,” I said, standing. “I’m going to shower.”
They all fell quiet, guilt settling over them. I didn’t want them to feel bad — I just needed space.
The hot water helped me. It washed away the heaviness, the irritation, and the leftover sleep. When I stepped out and wrapped in a towel, I felt lighter.
Until I checked my phone.
A text from an unknown number.
I frowned and typed back: Who’s this?
The reply came instantly.
It’s me, Chase.
My stomach dropped. I stared at the screen, disbelief turning into anger. How did he even get my number? I changed it after the breakup. After everything.
I stormed out of the room.
“Who gave Chase my new phone number?” I yelled.
The entire cabin went silent. Everyone froze.
Then Jacob swallowed hard. “It was me…”
I stared at him. “Why would you do that?”
He looked miserable. “I was hanging out with Nicholas a few weeks ago. Chase texted me out of nowhere asking about you. I… accidentally gave him your number. I didn’t think. I should’ve asked you first. I’m sorry.”
I sank onto the couch, anger simmering under my skin. I didn’t even know what to say at first.
Finally, I exhaled sharply. “This is the last thing I wanted to deal with. I don’t want to talk to him. I’m not responding. And none of you had better touch my phone or text him back. I mean it.”
Finn stepped closer, and voice calmed. “You can block him. That might help.”
“If I block him, he’ll find another way,” I said. “Social media. One of you. Something. He always finds a way.”
Natalie crossed her arms. “Then ignore him. Don’t respond at all. Focus on the trip. He’s not worth your time.”
“You’re right,” I said, rubbing my temples. “He’s a waste of time. He wants me back, but I don’t want him. I don’t want him in my life at all. He’s a rotten apple that fell far from the tree.”
Everyone nodded, quiet, and supportive.
And just like that, we moved on with our day — but the tension lingered under my skin like a bruise I didn’t want to look at.