Chapter 55: CHAPTER 55: Conflicting Emotions

　　An insistent buzzing jolted me awake. Disoriented, I blinked against the unfamiliar ceiling, the plush surroundings of the suite momentarily disorienting. I must have dozed off while overthinking.

　　Scrambling out of bed, I rushed to the door, a sliver of excitement blossoming in my chest. Maybe it was Alexander? Maybe he was done with the speech he was supposed to give. Ignoring my irrational joy to see him, I rushed to the door, my hand shakily reaching for the doorknob.

　　The disappointment hit me like a physical blow.

　　Standing on the other side of the door wasn't Alexander's tall frame, but Vance, his familiar smile plastered across his face.

　　"Evie!" he boomed, his voice carrying through the solid wood. "You ready to rock and roll?"

　　I forced a smile, the effort leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. "Vance? When did you get here? Hey, uh… come in."