Bobby:You are. I’ll make it up to you next week.

The cloud of disappointment lifts slightly as Summer walks into the kitchen, grabbing her keys and winking. “Let's go, birthday girl.”

Her dark blue jeans and black long-sleeve top hug her curves perfectly. With her brown hair wavy and parted to the side, she doesn’t have any makeup on except for mascara. Naturally flushed cheeks from rushing around the room show off her natural beauty.

Bobby's favorite kind.

He always says he wishes I didn’t wear so much makeup. I have reduced the amount I wear since we began our relationship, but he always looks at me funny if I go bold with my lipstick or draw too much attention to my eyes with a wing liner...but I love makeup. I can be creative with it and that makes me feel good.

“You don’t need all this makeup,”he would say, and most of the time I take it as a compliment. Maybe if I was more like her…No. I can’t do this tonight. I don’t need to compare myself to anyone.

I get up and follow her to the kitchen, determined to have a good night. My best friends, Nova and Summer, are more than enough.

As I swallow the lump of pain, I hear Summer say, “There are some promises you shouldn’t make.”

I feel a little piece of me break inside at her words. Because what can I say other than, “I know.”

“Nothing a glass of wine or three can’t fix.” She winks, making me laugh as she loops her arm through mine, and even though I’m taller at five-nine, compared to her five foot frame, I lean into her.

“Thanks.”

Just then, my phone rings. Bobby’s name flashes across the screen, and I stare at it.

“Is that him?” Summer asks.

I nod, hoping he has changed his mind.

I quickly hit the answer button, ready to say hello, when I hear a female’s voice.

“I thought you were busy tonight…” a sweet, unfamiliar female voice speaks.

My heart races as I sit up, press the speaker button, and lower the phone to the table between us. Neither of us makes a sound. I’m even holding my breath, waiting to hear his reply.

“I’m not,” Bobby replies.

“Mmhmm,” she purrs.

“I was supposed to have dinner with Chelsea,” Bobby explains.

“Then what happened?”

“She said it was her birthday.”

“I thought you said you two weren’t serious.”

“We aren’t. She’s deluded. My parents were trying to force it.”

Stomach sinking, my hand covers my mouth, and the backs of my eyes sting from his words.Asshole.

“So we’re good?”

“Of course, baby.”

He never called me anything other than Chelsea…

“Good, because I don’t share.”

“I love?” Summer hits theend callbutton, and we sit in silence. Neither of us knows what to say. We both heard Bobby flirting with someone else. He said we weren't serious, and yet with her, he was about to say words I’ve been desperate to hear.