Forever

Part 27

Sarah got into a taxi, feeling nervous and unsure. She hadn't spoken to Nick yet, but she was on her way to his hotel. She had spent the past two days thinking, pouring her heart out to Caro, thinking some more, and finally deciding that she wanted to save this relationship. 

She got to the hotel, and went to the front desk. But, instead of asking the concierge to call Nick, she asked them to call Ann. She wasn't sure if Ann would allow her up to speak to her, letting out a sigh of relief when the concierge gave her the room number, telling her Ann would be expecting her. She rode the elevator up, a small overnight bag, hooked on the crook of her elbow. She took a deep breath before knocking on the door. When Ann answered the door, she smiled weakly at her. 

Ann let her in, curious as to why she was there. She offered her a bottle of water, and a seat.

Sarah sat. "I know this is so weird. Believe me, I feel like I want to puke right now".

Ann smiled at her, not sure where this was going.

"Listen", Sarah continued. "Nick told me what happened at the club the other night. I know his side, I just want to hear yours".

Ann was taken aback. Sarah never seemed like a "hear you out" type of girl when it came to Ann.  She put up her hands, not knowing what to say. "I don't really want to get involved, Sarah".

She nodded. "Fair enough". She stood, walking towards the door. She opened it, turning back to Ann. "It doesn't matter what you say or do. Nick loves me. Nothing will change that. I don't want to be at war with anyone, but if I need to fight for him, I will. And, I'll win. Every time. Nick believes you are a better person now. That you regret trying to get between us, and I want to believe him. I want to put all of this under the bridge, because you're involved with the business, and we're going to be around each other. It'd be nice to be cordial. But, if this is the way you want it, that's okay too".

Ann sighed. "Fine, but I'm only doing this for Nicky".

"So am I", Sarah said, coming back in the room and closing the door. "Tell me what happened".

Ann sat on the chaise, crossing her legs. "I did apologize for the way I had behaved last year. I did tell him I was hurt and jealous, and we were good. That night that we kissed, though? He was so wasted. He thought I was you".

Sarah listened, considering her words. "I just don't get how he could confuse the two of us".

"Do you like it when he kisses your neck?", Ann asked, suddenly.

Sarah was taken aback. "Excuse me?!".

"He kissed my neck then asked me why I didn't like it anymore. That's when I realized something was up. But, then he kissed me, and called me Sarah".

Sarah looked at Ann, seeing how embarrassed she felt. She suddenly felt bad. She crossed the room, sitting at the foot of the same chaise. "Hey, look, I'm sorry this happened. I know how easy he is to love, and I know how deeply it can hurt when you think his love belongs to someone else".

Tears welled up in Ann's eyes. "But, his love does belong to you. He's told me in a million different ways".

Sarah suddenly felt uncomfortable. Maybe it was a mistake to come to Ann like this. She felt bad for her, but also angry that she was being made to feel bad for Nick loving her. "Um...I don't know what to say. I'm sorry. I have to go".

Ann sniffed, nodding her head. She reached over to the end table, picking up a sheet of paper. It was the room listing for everyone on the tour. She looked for Nick's room number. "He's in room 1230. Do me a favour? Don't be so hard on him. He looks like he's dying inside".