Chapter 99 – Breakfast Served Cold

• I make myself a little espresso before heading up the stairs because, if I’m going to be up at 4:30 in the morning, I’m at least going to be caffeinated. And then the hours pass more quickly than I thought they would. I shower, fix my hair, and change into the clothes that are delivered promptly at six. I look curiously at the blue-and-white flowered dress and sweet pair of strappy tan sandals that Kent selected for me today, a little disappointed that it’s not riding clothes. He’s certainly not sending me to the stables, but where on earth am I going in this?
• I’m ready for the day a little before 6:30, though, and so I grab my phones – both of them – and flick through the messages from Janeen, Daniel, and Ivan. Janeen’s are the most cheerful, just little updates on her life and pictures from the shore house. I’m a little jealous when I see those, wanting to be there with her and hoping I get to go soon.
• The ones from Ivan…I just skim, not wanting to address the feelings they rise in me. There’s nothing big there anyway – just casual greetings and asking if I’m okay. I close them quickly, not wanting to reply. Not now, at least.