Page 26 of Scorched Hearts

“Great. See you then.” Maya quickly hung up.

Elle stood in the middle of her living room, feeling quite upset by Maya’s tone. She didn’t know how much more strength this whole situation would require of her, but she felt determined to set it right.

The evening was approaching quickly, and with it the group bar outing Elle had promised her team to attend. She showered, put on a lazy, all-black outfit—black jeans and a simple black T-shirt—and tied up her hair in a neat high ponytail. She felt as ready to go as she could, given that she was in no mood for partying.

Awaiting her were almost all her friends besides Kaia Montgomery, who’d landed a shift the same evening.

“It’s Rory’s turn to buy the drinks.” Haley welcomed Elle with a quick embrace and cast a glance at Rory.

“Well, whatever you say, baby,” Rory responded, getting up.

Having received their drinks, everyone loosened up a little, digging their heads out of their individual problems and dilemmas. At the end of the day, the group was Elle’s respite and family, and she couldn’t help smiling the whole evening.

The next round of drinks was on her, however, and that brought her mood slightly down.

Emboldened by alcohol, they entered the stage of confessions, each bringing to the table something that weighed heavy on their hearts.

“I royally fucked it up, girls,” Elle pressed her forehead to the table in resignation.

“What happened?” Kiera patted her back with a tipsy kind of motion. “I’m sure it’s not that bad.”

“I slept with my ex.” Elle looked around her friend’ faces, “and she’s mad at me now, I think.”

They laughed, wanting to cheer her up.

“It can’t be that bad if she slept with you.” Haley added, “Do you wanna get back together?”

Elle realized what a mistake it had been to try and share the situation in such a spontaneous way. Its intricacies tied around her throat, and she wished she’d never spoken about it.

“It’s complicated. I did something bad when we were together before, but no matter. I’m seeing her tomorrow. Wish me luck,” and with that, she took a massive gulp of her whiskey.

“Cheers to that.” The group clinked their glasses.

Elle stood at Maya’s front door the following day, wishing she hadn’t had so much whiskey the night before, Elle had no idea where the conversation would take them, but she was willing to simply plunge into it and see for herself. Partially, she felt like a little kid waiting to be admitted to the principal’s office. Another part of her wanted to play it cool, remain nonchalant and confident. But she knew it was no use trying to pretend around Maya. Finally, she rang the bell.

The staircase felt somewhat familiar, and she wondered why that would be. This place had surely never belonged to Maya or her family. On the third floor, she bravely knocked.

“You don’t have to knock,” Maya swiftly opened the door. “There is a doorbell here, too.”

“Don’t be so rude.” Elle shook her head, walking into the flat.

“Sorry.”

“Whose flat is this? I somehow remember it but can’t place from where.” Elle looked around, glad of this opportunity to chit chat. “It’s empty as hell, though. Where is all your stuff?”

“I think you’ve been here before because this used to be Magdalena’s flat. Her parents use it as an Airbnb now. I’m moving soon to my own apartment, so this is only temporary.”

“Oh, nice.” Elle sat down on the couch.

“Would you like some coffee?” Maya offered coldly.

“Sure.” Elle put her hands on her knees, something she always did when uncomfortable.

Maya disappeared into the kitchen without another word. Elle felt a bit foolish, confronted with such a wall of ice after the intense night. She got up and followed her, leaning against the kitchen counter.

Maya looked so beautiful, her golden hair loose around her shoulders, but she was angry, that much was clear.

“Why so distant?” she asked simply.

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