Page 47 of Devotion

Fucking Martinez…

The drive to the lounge is short, but long enough that I’m able to clear my head a bit. So, by the time I pull into the lot, I’m more excited to see Dove, Isha, and Eliza than I am pissed that my co-workers are a bunch of dicks.

Because I clocked out early, I’m also the first to arrive, entering the dimly lit building alone. I’m escorted to a table for four, perched on a platform in the corner. There, I sit and wait, scanning the drink menu, but every so often, I can’t help but glance around. With the dark-painted walls and furniture, and the lo-fi bassline pulsing from hidden speakers, the vibe is similar to that ofThe Jungle.So, naturally my thoughts are on Damien again.

My thighs clench together, and it’s all I can do to keep from moaning out loud. I’m always aware of him watching from the shadows, so I find myself wondering if he’s here. If he sees me now. If he knows I’m still—and probably always will be—haunted by him. I know what I told him, that what happened that night could never happen again, but that can’t stop me from thinking about it.

“Boo, bitch.”

At the feel of Eliza squeezing my sides, I nearly jump out of my skin. “What the fuck?”

“Did I scare you?” she teases, planting a kiss on my cheek.

“You think?” I shoot back, and despite being annoyed, I can’t help but smile at her.

She takes the seat beside me, still smiling from ear-to-ear, proud that she just about killed me.

“Damn, someone’s on edge. You good, girl?” she asks with a wink, but before I can give an answer, Dove and Isha walk up.

“Sorry we’re late,” Dove apologizes. “Things were crazy today.”

“Wedding stuff?” I ask.

“Of course. Seems never-ending.”

“And yet, you’ve never been happier,” Eliza teases, and the smile Dove flashes means it’s true.

“Need any last-minute tasks checked off the list before the weekend?” Isha offers, reminding me how quickly the date’s approaching.

Dove smiles again, and despite the chaos that is her life right now, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look happier.

“Nope,” she says. “Everything’s all settled. Just bringyourcrazy asses, and I’ll be satisfied.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Isha teases, and then scans for a waiter to snap her fingers at. “Speaking of drinks, who the hell do I have to fuck around here to get one in my hand?”

“Your poor husband,” Eliza mumbles, earning herself a nudge from Isha the next second.

“Ok, so date check,” Dove says. “Martinez is still your plus one, right, Layla?”

I’m grateful to have a menu in front of me. It gives me something to hide behind.

“Layla?” she repeats, giving angry principal vibes.

“Well, if we hadn’t broken up this weekend, I’m sure the answer to that question would be yes.”

“Oh, noooo!”

“Why didn’t you call us?”

“Do I need to buy bullets?”

Those are their collective responses to my news, and it becomes clear why our friendships stuck after college.

“Are you okay?” Eliza asks, and I still don’t meet anyone’s gaze.

“I’m good. And I use the termbroken uploosely. We weren’t even officially together.”

“Yeah, but you two have been fucking for half the year. That has to mean there were at leastsomesort of feelings involved.”

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