“I’m
with—”
“Oh,
hello. Ethan, everyone was wondering where you’ve been.” The woman approaching
us is tall, with black curls cascading over her shoulders. Even though she’s
wearing jeans and a modest top, I can’t help but notice how beautiful she is.
“Sorry,
Arianna … I went for a walk, and on the way, I ran into some friends.”
Friends, I think
wryly. He has certainly lost touch with reality if he thinks we’re friends.
He
introduces us and Arianna says graciously, “Oh, what a wonderful surprise! It’s
nice to meet you. I hope the hotel is to your liking; my family owns it. If you
need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.” Whilst saying that, she touches Ethan’s
arm in a familiar way and I think, Well, I guess we know what brought him
here.
“Thanks,
that’s very nice of you,” All
