Page 77 of When Forever Falls Apart

My body sways to the beat of Rihanna’s “Please Don’t Stop the Music” while neon lights flicker overhead, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the dance floor. I lose myself in the beat and forget everything that happened today.

And last night.

Nicole was the jump scare to what could have been a close call. After spending the night with Elliot, things between us shifted. There was a lot of talk about keeping things casual, and now I understand why. Elliot got me, hook, line, and sinker, pulling all the moves to get me into bed while he still had a girlfriend waiting for him back home.

I was starting to feel things, and that in itself scares me.

How can I feel things so soon after walking away from the supposed love of my life?

After we closed up shop this afternoon, I made a spontaneous decision to escape to the city rather than dwell in my own self-pity. I contemplated confiding in Billie, but Ifeared coming off desperate and needy. Plus, I don’t want to be labeled theother woman.

I’m wearing a dress I bought while traveling in Italy. The black mini features a square neckline, a delicate lace silhouette, and a softly draped cowl waist that flatters my hips. I wore my hair up in a high ponytail, then paired the outfit with my fever-red, shiny velvet Louboutin pumps.

I look good, and all I need is some guy to remind me why being single is fun, and pining for an unattainable man isnot.

A few of my friends from the theater are here, as is my friend Ava. She flew in from California earlier this morning for a business meeting. When I saw her Instagram story at the airport, I messaged her to ask if she wanted to get a drink. I actually met her through Aston—Ava’s sister and brother-in-law are good friends of his. Also, Ava’s father owns this bar.

“Can someone explain why we’re doing shots again?” Ava slurs, a giggle escaping her lips after a hiccup punctuates her question.

Someone in the group suggested fireball shots. I would have said yes to anything, but since this is my third, things are getting hazy, and the cinnamon-flavored liquor is losing its taste.

“Why don’t you tell me why we’re doing shots again?” I counter, laughter dancing in my voice. Beside me, Bowie, one of the guys from the theater, hands me another shot, insisting I drink quicker.

Bowie just broke up with his boyfriend, so it’s no surprise he is out tonight drinking with us.

“Well, let’s see,” Ava begins, her brows furrowing as she takes a moment to gather her thoughts. “My husband just moved five hours away, and I’m lucky if I see him once a week. Meanwhile, I’m juggling solo parenting of our daughters and trying to keep a business afloat.”

“Oh, honey, I’m so sorry,” I shout over the music. “What the hell happened?”

Ava lowers her gaze, but then lifts her head with a downcast expression. Ava is stunningly gorgeous. The type of woman everyone turns to look at. There’s nothing fake about her, and her natural beauty is what catches everyone’s attention. She has flawless skin, a few freckles across her nose, and captivating green eyes.God, if I were going to bat for the same team, Ava is precisely who I would go for.

“Austin got offered the head of cardiology position. It’s his dream, and he worked so hard for it. But if I move to San Francisco to be with him, I’ll be uprooting our whole life without my support network. Plus, his hours are insane. We’d hardly see each other anyway.”

My heart breaks for her, and I dare not bring up the dreaded “D” word. Ending my relationship with Myles was incredibly difficult, and we didn’t have children. I can only imagine Ava is feeling lost right now, which explains why she is a shot ahead of me.

“It’s gonna work out,” I assure her, my voice steady with forced optimism. “You love him. I mean, he’s your husband.For better or worse, till death do us part. Wait, or is ittill death us do part?”

Ava shrugs, taking another glass from the tray in front of us. “Can we not talk about my life? It’s depressing. So, really, why are we doing shots?”

I take a deep breath, ready to unveil my own chaotic mess. “Well, I may have hooked up with my best friend’s older brother, and now his girlfriend just flew in from Paris.”

Ava’s mouth falls open, a wide grin on her face. “I live for situationships like this!”

My lips press together, suppressing my annoyance. “You live for my life being miserable?”

“No, duh,” Ava drags, but her smile is still lighting up her face. “I live for the push and pull, the tension because it’s all forbidden, and the sneaking around is so hot.”

“Wasn’t your husband your sister’s ex-fiancé?”

“Yes…”

“Which would have been totally off-limits?” I ask, curiosity getting the better of me.

Ava places her hand on her hip. “Your point?”

“No point, really,” I tease, only to break out into laughter. “Look, I’m single and, dare I say, ready to mingle.”

“Good.” Ava nods, then leans in to whisper loudly over the music, “There’s a guy at the table near the door who has been eyeing you all night.”