He'd forgotten. Years ago, I'd slept in a damp, freezing underground parking garage for so long that I couldn't tolerate cold air blowing on me. He used to know that.
"Rose, your makeup looks even better these days." Adela sighed theatrically, one hand resting on her belly. "It's such a shame—now that I'm pregnant, I can't wear any."
Her face was pure provocation.
When Leo noticed my expression souring, he rushed to smooth things over.
"Don't mind her, Rose. Adela doesn't know any better. Don't be so sensitive. She's just joking around."
A cold laugh escaped me. I looked straight at Adela.
"Is that so? With a face that fake, you don't need makeup. You're already wearing a mask."
Leo's expression shifted instantly.
"Rose. That's out of line."
Adela lowered her eyes, lips trembling, tears welling on cue. She excused herself and hurried toward the bathroom.
"Rose Barnes." Leo's voice dropped, each word sharp with disgust. "You're doing this on purpose, aren't you? From the moment Adela walked in, you've had that look on your face. Fine, take it out on me—but a pregnant woman? Have you no shame? You can't have children, and that's not her fault."
Leo's face flushed red as he pointed at me.
But I was calmer than I expected. I felt my phone buzz in my pocket, turned, and walked back to the bedroom.
Leo seemed surprised by how calm I was.
"Nice one, Leo. She already knows she was wrong."
Hearing his friend say that, Leo assumed I'd gone back to the room out of guilt. A satisfied smile spread across his face.
I closed the door behind me and opened the text message.
Rose, your flight is booked for five days from now.
I looked down at the plastic ring on my finger.
Leo had bought it for me seven years ago. His very first gift to me.
A five-dollar trinket from a street vendor. I'd worn it for seven years.
Before long, someone knocked on my door.
It was Leo.
"Rose, come on out. Adela's not that petty."
My voice was flat. "No thanks."
I moved to close the door.
"Rose Barnes, every person out there is my friend. Do you really have to embarrass me like this? When did you become so inconsiderate?"
Then Adela appeared behind him.
"Leo, let me talk to her."
Leo sighed, nodded, and headed back to the dining room.
The moment he was gone, Adela's expression shifted. Like a mask slipping off.