Chapter 6
Millie had dodged her inheritance by starting her own business.
Busy.
A week crawled by before Millie carved out a night for us.
After airing our college beef and my tearful apology, we slipped back into that old skin, effortless as breathing.
Roof raising jokes. Impulse decisions. Just like the glory days.]
So when neon lit up a new dive bar? I dragged her there before last call
Jesus, of all people–Josh and his frat–pack filled the booth.
Our eyes locked across the smoke. No escape.]
His boys followed his glare. Spotted me. 0
They swarmed like hornets:[]
“Look who’s here! Keeping tabs on Josh?”
“Josh buried himself at work for days. First night out–you track him down?“||
“Heard ‘bout the fight. Your bad, but Josh’s over it.“]
“Come on, you know Josh–tough shell, gooey center. Waiting on your apology!”
“Seven years! Wedding’s around the corner–don’t make this messy.
I stayed mute. Millie waited, arms crossed, watching me burn.
I ignored the
and just nodded towards Isla, who was curled up in Josh’s lap.
“You guys are talking to the wrong girl.”
“She’s your future Mrs Smith. Unless you think it’s cool for your friend to be groping other women while he’s engaged?“[]
The whole group went silent.
Josh stormed over.
“Are you really trying to push me away? What if I actually move on?“||
His arrogance was almost laughable.
“Tine. Still mad about the ring? I’ll buy you a new rock. Concert tickets next week–your pick. That music box? I’ll build it with my own hands. Even scan your parents‘ photo fresh.“]
“Everything handled personally. Now we even?”
I kept silent. Each word tasted more absurd.]
The stretching quiet stripped him bare. His hand shot out, grabbing my waist:
“Whatever else you want–name it. Let’s take this somewhere private. I deliver.“]]
“Let’s get one thing straight,” I said, spotting Isla. “You and her–how far have you two gone?”
“Stop chasing me around unless you want everyone to know you’re a cheater.“]
Isla’s face went pale as I walked over to Millie.[]
“Are you free now?”
didn’t rush to answer.[]
Instead, I raised my glass and let our seven years flicker through my mind like a damaged film reel.
I downed the whiskey sour in one burning gulp.
When the glass hit the bar, my voice came out
“Totally.”
