Chapter 66

DIANA

Istrolled through the streets of Rome with no real destination in mind. I loved just being free. I didn't have to be anywhere or check in with anyone. I got to do whatever the hell I wanted. I couldn't get enough of the ancient buildings and cobblestone alleyways. It had been another incredible day of exploration in this magnificent city, but I couldn't deny the pang of homesickness. I was thrilled to be here, but I supposed it might be a little better if I had someone to share it with. I had been making a lot of comparisons to my trip with Hudson.

Yes, I was lonely, but I also found myself appreciating the solitude. I had never really done anything on my own before. This was freeing. I wandered through the narrow streets of Rome alone without my phone out. I didn't want to miss a thing by looking through a three-inch screen. I found myself lost in the beauty of it all, feeling a sense of peace and contentment wash over me.

Thoughts of Hudson crept into my mind, his absence felt more acutely in this foreign city. I missed his warm smile, his gentle touch, his unwavering support. Being alone had its perks but it also had its drawbacks. I missed our late-night conversations, the way he made me laugh until my stomach hurt, the feeling of safety and comfort that came from having him by my side. As much as I relished the freedom of solo travel, a part of me longed for his companionship.

I prayed he was okay. It was hard not to call him and check in. But we both needed to find our own way. When I went home, I would give him a call. If he was interested in seeing me, I would be there in a heartbeat. Part of me was a little worried he might realize I, the plain Jane girl from nowhere, might not be what he really wanted. He was a wealthy man from a powerful family. He could be with anyone. He ended up with me because he was running from his demons. Now that he faced them head on, I wasn't sure there was any room for me in his life.

But for now, I had Rome to explore and immerse myself in. I walked toward the Trevi Fountain, feeling the gentle breeze play with my hair. Laughter and chatter filled the air around me. I took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the fountain when my stomach rumbled.

I decided to treat myself to a gelato at a nearby café. The sweet, creamy dessert helped lift my spirits as I sat at a table by the window, watching the world go by. With a sigh, I pulled out my phone and dialed Rachel's number, eager to catch up and hear about life back in Cold Springs.

"Hey, Rachel," I said with a smile when I heard her voice. "How's everything back home?"

"It's not the same without you," she replied. "But we're managing. Work's been a bit dull without our favorite teacher around. The kids miss you. I miss you."

I smiled, a hint of nostalgia tugging at my heartstrings. "I miss you guys too," I admitted.

"Where are you?" she asked.

"Rome," I replied. "It's amazing. I wish you could see it."

"I wish I could too," Rachel said wistfully. "But I'm glad you're having a great time. So, spill the beans, anything exciting happening over there?"

I chuckled, taking another bite of my gelato. "Oh, you know, just the usual. Getting lost in ancient ruins, eating my weight in pasta and gelato, contemplating life under the stars."

Rachel laughed on the other end of the line. "Sounds like a dream! Have you heard from Hudson at all? Is he doing okay?"

My smile faltered slightly at the mention of his name. "No, I haven't heard from him. I'm giving him time. Everything I've read says someone fresh out of rehab is not supposed to get involved in any new relationships."

"But you are an old relationship," she reminded me.

"I am," I acknowledged quietly. "But maybe that's not what he needs right now. Maybe he needs space to figure things out on his own."

Rachel was silent for a moment before speaking softly, "You love him, don't you?"

I sighed, the weight of my emotions heavy in my chest. "I do. More than I ever thought possible. But he came to me when he was damn near at his lowest. I'm not sure he's going to feel the same way when he's got a clear mind."

"Give him time, but don't give up on him," she advised. "Sometimes people need to hit rock bottom before they can rise again. He hit his rock bottom, but he realized he hit it because of you. You're the one who can help him rise. You said he was certain he wasn't good enough for you. I think that means he wants to rise up to meet you where you are."

"I hope so, but I'm not going to push it." I sighed.

I finished my gelato and chatted with Rachel about everything and nothing. "So, I don't want to ask, but I have to. How is Troy? Is he badmouthing me? I'm sure he's told everyone I'm a cold-hearted bitch."

"I think Troy will be just fine," she said. "I don't want to crush your soul, but I don't think he hates you. In fact, I'm not sure he's been thinking about you much at all."

"What? What does that mean?"

"He seems to have found a rather eager shoulder to cry on in your absence." She laughed.

"What do you mean?" I asked with confusion.

Rachel's tone turned mischievous. "Well, let's just say there's been a certain someone keeping him company lately," she teased.

"Company, as in a female?"

"Yep." She laughed.

"Who?"

"Someone whose name starts with an A and rhymes with sail."

It took me a moment to put it together. "Abigail?!" I exclaimed, disbelief washing over me.

Rachel burst into laughter on the other end of the line. "Yep, Abigail," she confirmed. "They've been hanging out quite a bit lately. I even saw them at the pumpkin patch together last weekend, taking all those cute couple pictures. They are Instagram official."

It was a strange and unexpected twist, one that left me feeling a mix of emotions. My best friend and little sister hooking up was not something I saw coming. That was assuming Troy would still consider himself my friend at all.

"I don't know how I feel about that," I said.

"I think it's kind of the best of both worlds, don't you?" she suggested. "Troy is a great guy, and Abigail is a great girl. If he couldn't have you, at least now he gets to be your brother-in-law, right?"

I couldn't help but laugh at Rachel's lighthearted take on the situation. "But isn't that weird?" I asked.

"I think Troy is looking for love," she said. "You guys have been really close, and Troy's feelings got a little mixed up. I think he loves you like a sister. I have a feeling he would have realized it if you guys actually dated. You made the hard call. He'll end up being happy you did."

"I hope so," I said with a sense of relief washing over me. It was a bittersweet revelation, knowing that Troy had found someone who could bring him joy and companionship, even if it wasn't me. The thought of Troy with my sister felt strange at first, but as Rachel painted a picture of their happiness at the pumpkin patch, I couldn't help but smile.

"It'll all work out," she said.

"I think you might be right," I admitted. "Maybe this is exactly what Troy needed to move on and find his own happiness. And if that happiness happens to come in the form of Abigail, so be it. I think she's always had a crush on him."

"For sure. But it's a good thing, right?" she asked.

"Yes. I hope so. I just hope Troy can forgive me. I hate the idea of him being pissed at me. I don't want to lose his friendship. I think it would have been easier if I could love him the way he wanted. He's a good guy, and if they are serious, Abigail is very lucky."

"I think Troy will come around eventually. He values your friendship too much to let something like this ruin it completely."

"I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all plays out. Life has a funny way of surprising us."

"That it does," Rachel agreed.

"I should go," I said. "I'm supposed to be meeting a few people for dinner."

"Do you know these people?" she asked.

"They are a couple of college girls on a gap year," I said. "One is from London and the other is from Australia. They met up and have been traveling together the last couple of weeks. We're staying in the same house."

"That sounds fun," she said. "Just don't get any ideas about staying gone forever. We miss you back here. You have to come home."

"I will." I laughed. "I do miss home, but I am absolutely loving my travels."

"I know. Have fun. We'll catch up when you get back."

I ended the call and headed back to the house to meet up with the girls. I couldn't help but drift back to the unexpected news about Troy and Abigail. It was a lot to process, but deep down, I knew that Rachel was right. Maybe this twist of fate was exactly what Troy needed to find his own happiness.

Entering the house, I found the two girls chatting and laughing in the living room. They greeted me warmly, and we soon fell into easy conversation about their adventures and the places they had visited. At dinner, the conversation turned to our future travel plans. The girls shared their excitement about exploring new countries and experiencing different cultures. I enjoyed their company, but I had no intention of staying away from home for a year. The girls were going out to a club after dinner, but I opted to go back to the house. I was going to be flying out early tomorrow and didn't want to be exhausted.

"Hey there, beautiful," an attractive young man with a charming smile said and fell into step beside me. "Mind if I join you?"

I had grown accustomed to these advances during my travels. Tonight, I wasn't in the mood for any distractions.

"Thanks, but I'm actually heading back to my room," I replied politely, hoping to discourage any further conversation.

Undeterred, the man persisted, his confidence unwavering. "Come on, don't be shy," he urged, taking a step closer. "I promise I'm not a serial killer or anything."

"Sorry, but I'm really not interested," I said firmly, hoping he would take the hint and leave me alone.

But the man persisted, his persistence bordering on annoyance. "Come on, just one drink," he insisted, reaching out to touch my arm.

"I'm sorry, but I can't. Thank you, though."

"Where's home?" he asked.

"I haven't decided yet," I replied honestly.

"Why don't we sit down for a drink, and we can talk about where home should be?" He smiled.

I recoiled slightly, my patience wearing thin. "I said no," I replied, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Finally, the man seemed to take the hint. "Fine, suit yourself," he muttered, turning on his heel and disappearing into the crowd.