Page 78 of Homewrecker

“That’s good.”

There was always something underneath it all with people who hadn’t spoken to you in years but somehow knew exactly how your life was going.

“Thank you.”

Nash appeared beside me because God loves humor.

“There you are.”

Gabby’s eyes went straight to him.

I saw the question before she asked it. Nash smiled and I immediately felt exposed.

“This is Nash,” I said. “My friend.”

He held his hand out. “Nash. Nice to meet you.”

Gabby shook it. “Gabby.”

Her eyes returned to me then came the smile. “Oh.”

I knew that oh. Women had entire languages inside vowels.

“Oh, I didn’t know you were dating again.”

My spine stiffened.

I smiled. “We’re friends.”

“Of course.”

Of course. I wanted to slap her. Instead, I smiled harder.

Gabby looked around. “I’m glad you’re doing good, though.”

“Thank you.”

“I mean that.”

“I’m sure.”

Her smile tightened. “After everything that happened, I think I would’ve taken even more time just focusing on myself.”

My ears started ringing. Years ago, that sentence would’ve made me crumble. I’d explain how long I’d been alone. I’d tell her about therapy, but not anymore.

Caleb had a fiancée. A beautiful one at that and social media loved them. No one asked how much time he’d spent focusing on himself. No one suggested he remain alone and no one looked at the woman beside him and wondered whether he deserved to touch her after what he’d done. Caleb made a mistake, but AGAIN I became one.

I smiled. “Excuse me.”

I didn’t stop until I was outside and the night air hit my face. I breathed in, trying to calm down, but my chest wouldn’t cooperate.

“Fuck.”

I walked farther from the entrance. I was pissed. My eyes apparently hadn’t gotten the memo because one tear slipped down. I wiped that bitch immediately.

“Blair.”

I froze. Shit. I turned and Nash was walking toward me.