Walking along the old and narrow cobblestone path at Hadley Castle, Tessa's mind started drifting away from the breathtaking sights she had been enjoying. Reality, once again, came crashing back. She had all but put Scott, Libby, and the rubbish tagging along with them into the farthest reaches of her mind.
Until now.
The deep orange of the sun setting behind the magnificent remains of the castle and the warm late summer breeze drifting through her long auburn curls did little to deter the depressing thoughts that entered her mind. The menacing images rebuilt just as the storm clouds on the horizon filled the evening sky.
How could she not have known Libby slept with Scott? Why had Tessa convinced herself she couldn't live without him, and then put up with his mind games for nearly three years? Those were the questions that plagued her whole trip.
"I'm not that kind of person," she murmured aloud, tossing a quick glance over her shoulder to make sure no one had heard her. It was nearly closing time and only her tour bus was left at the site.
Leaving Scott and Libby behind was the best thing for Tessa. Her dinner with Mrs. Mann and her brothers the night before was wonderful medicine for her soul. It was as if she was finally home, and her trip to the castle today was nothing short of magical.
The forecast that morning had been filled with doom and gloom. The local television stations predicted a full day of thunderstorms, but, as luck would have it, the skies cleared nicely that afternoon and made for fewer tourists when she finally made the trek to her castle. She wouldn't have as much time to spend there, but she would have less distraction.
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