Page 20 of Sour Notes

My stomach flips, and my hands white-knuckle the steering wheel while I hesitantly glance at the screen. The second I see Haven’s name, I release the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.

Thank fuck it isn’t him because that would really kill my whole vibe. It’s shaky at best as it is.

“Hey babe, what’s up?”

“Hey you—Axel stop, go away—I wanted to make sure you were feeling better today. Still up for breakfast at Macy’s?” Haven giggles down the phone, her fire hunk clearly not leaving her alone.

Lucky bitch.

“Yep, on my way there now actually. Thought I could get an hour's work in while I wait for the rest of you. You’re welcome to join me earlier if Axel can live without you.”

“Ooooh yeah, I can do. Let’s add Kim and see if she can get here any earlier too. I’ve got new donut holes for you to try.”

I hear a muffled “Hey” from Axel in the background before she laughs again.

These two really are couple goals, even though it took them long enough to get here. No one would look at them and doubt his devotion to her, or vice versa.

I could never say the same thing about Pete. Why the hell did I let him drag me along in that dead-end relationship for almost a decade?!

Nope, we aren’t thinking about the trash bag ex, remember?

Before I spiral down that hole, Kim answers and jumps at the chance to get some adult time earlier and agrees to meet us there.

We end the call as I pull into a parking spot and head into Macy’s, choosing our usual booth. It’s big enough to accommodate all six of us, with space on the end for a chair if Beckett decides to drop by.

He’s been doing that more and more these days. No bad thing since he’s pretty to look at. Another manwhore though.

What is it about these boys? They’re all drop-dead gorgeous, total utter sluts. Well, with the exception of Axel—now at least, he was the same before too.

They get away with it because they’re the nice kind, all charming smiles and open books. They break hearts, but they don’t do it intentionally.

Must be nice to do whatever, or whoever you want without any real fear of repercussion. If you have a pair of tits, you don’t get that luxury. You’re instantly judged for having some fun.

Newsflash, women get horny too.

Welp, I better climb off my soapbox and do some work before the others get here. That’s one thing I can control, and if my column helps even one person feel less alone, and assures them they aren’t a total pariah, then I’ve done my job right.

Opening my laptop, I navigate to my latest article for Blush Magazine.

Dickonomics: Are Dating Apps Giving You More Bang For Your buck?

Ha, how about NO.

Luckily I’m not relying on just my own experiences for this one, or I’d end up putting people off for life. We had our readers email in their own stories and while some have had a little success, others are even more horrific than my attempts, and that’s saying something.

I lose myself in work for a while before Haven and Kim slide in opposite me.

“Morning sunshine, don’t you look happy today.” Haven grins widely at me.

“Don’t even, it’s been the worst.”

“Why, what’s wrong? Is your head still bothering you? Or has Swayze pissed you off again for the millionth time?” She crosses her eyes and laughs.

My silence must speak volumes because Kim cackles and Haven sits back and drags her hand down her face.

“Well that explains the early arrival. Here, it looks like you need these.” She slides a pink and white striped Sweet Bakes box across the table which I promptly snatch out of her hands, cradling it in my arms like Gollum with his precious ring.

“Hey, share!” Kim drags the box back, opening it to unveil the golden, sugary balls.