Page 1 of Breakaway

Chapter 1

It’s Nothing

NEVAEH

OneYearAgo

“Hey, Trav.”I press my phone to my ear, making sure my apartment is locked. “Are you on your way?”

“Sorry, babe. I still have a ton of work to do. Release week is always crazy, and the testers found another bug. I need to fix it.”

An exasperated breath springs out of my mouth, and I mask it with a cough. If I’d known Travis wasn’t going to be able to join me, I wouldn’t have agreed to go. I’m always happy to see my best friend, but going to a club with her and her fake boyfriend is definitely not something I planned on.

“Any chance you can meet us later?” I ask, descending the stairs. The click of my heels echoes in the stairwell.

“I’m not sure, Nev. No one is going to fix my code for me, and with the release on Monday, I have a pretty tight deadline. And?—”

“And you’re working overtime again?” I huff, tightening my grip around my phone.

“You moved our date twice last week because you had to work overtime too. Did I say anything? Writing that article about the art exhibition was important to you, and I knew it.”

Sighing, I close my eyes for a second. He’s right. “Sorry, Trav. I know it’s not your fault.” I walk to the front door and push it open, stepping onto the street. “See you tomorrow then? Maybe we can hang out at my place?”

“How about you come over after the club? Even if it’s late. I miss you.”

A smile pulls at my lips, and warmth spreads through my body. Who knew that being stuck in an elevator could bring someone like Travis into my life? Definitely not me. It’s too much likeSerendipity, and I don’t believe in fate. “Okay, I’ll text you later,” I murmur.

Once I hang up, I shoot a quick text to Angie. Just to let her know that I’ll be third-wheeling with her and Drake.

Me:

I’ll be at the club in 40. Alone. Travis is still at the office

Angie:

Sucks that he’s busy, but don’t worry. Drake says he can invite one of his teammates. You won’t be a third wheel.

Me:

Tell your fake boyfriend I love him.

Angie:

??

Chuckling, I shove my phone into my purse and notice my Uber pulling up in front of my apartment building. Well, I canonly hope Drake’s teammate is a nice guy, like him. I hung out with my fair share of jocks when I was in high school and college, and I can safely say that those guys aren’t my type. They are too self-absorbed and too cocky—but not in a good way. I also never seem to have anything in common with them. Spending the night dancing with an arrogant and self-centered ass would be a bummer.

“Nev, over here!”Angie calls out from the entrance to the club.

She’s standing with Drake, whose hand is secured around her narrow waist. Her long brown hair streams down her slender shoulders. She’s wearing a red dress that highlights her sun-kissed skin and her flawless body. Big and bulky, Drake hovers over her with his broad shoulders and six-foot-five frame. They are the picture-perfect couple. She’s the one who has always believed in magic, making a wish any time she sees 12:12 on a clock. I’m not superstitious like her, but I’m ready to cross my fingers and even my toes for these two to finally get together officially. Their fake dating doesn’t make any sense.

“Hey, lovebirds.” I smile, stopping in front of them. “Sorry if I made you wait. My Uber was driving so slow.”

“Hey, Nev.” Angie leans forward and plants a kiss on my cheek. “You’re fine; we got here like five minutes ago.”

“And we’re still waiting for Roman,” Drake announces, fixing his dark brown eyes on me. “So, don’t you worry. You won’t be third wheeling.”

“Did you set me up on a double date with your teammate?” I tease, noticing his eyes rounding.

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