ey's

up on the couch like a cocoon, hugging a throw pi

ioned was wrapped around me

the ache in my heart and th

d through the apartm

door, clutching the pin

took one look at my tear-streaked fac

couldn't s

hispered into my ha

ursting. Sobs shook my entire body as Aria h

e chose her, Aria. My boss, the woman I lo

soothed. You do not have to be strong ri

o best friends in a quiet room, one broke

a gently led me back to t

g up a bag she had left by the door. "And that

gh. "You mean the 'I-don't-nee

atch trashy shows, cry if we want to, and scr

l smile. "You're

rapping an arm around me. "Now tell me everything, star

d to describe how I had met th

about to apologize for the interruption. Until t

look clearly because it

leste's reaction

ost amused, like she is

y you are not suppos

let's forget ab

leep and prepa

e chair, and led me to my room. Sh

*

d in my usual soft blouse and fitted wo

at me, eyes tired, soul hea

wear with confidence

not nervousness, caused

ith Celeste, the woman who once mentored me keeps r

hone

age fro

to slash h

That's why Aria w

tter into my purse, took one

##

People greeted me like everything was normal. As if

e, past the photo frame of us together, st

an looked up, perfectly polished in her designer bla

e said smoothly.

eplied, "when you decided t

letter gentl

ked. "Wha

gning," I

faltered. "

ard me.

ectly made-up face. "Now isn't the time t

. "From the man I trusted and the boss I respected. But don

sted, eyes narrowin

ly. "You will sleep with someo

fli

ed over, burnt and sharp. I looked back, lifted a finger, and pointed at

, heels clicking like pu

ore my breath caught in my chest. But this

#

into my apartment with a duffel b

she asked, prac

," I said,

are dancing. And drinking. And if need

esit

en," I

ia added, already dig

rtbreak or not, tonight w

g to dance

o I t