Page 18 of Recon Rendezvous

“Listen, I haven’t come without the aid of a fictional character and my battery-operated boyfriend in…” I trail off, well actually, I did with Xander, but I can’t say that. “…in too long to remember. Love makes you do stupid shit. Never again.”

All eyes are sympathetic as they focus on me, and after a beat of silence, everyone bursts out laughing.

“Babe, no!” Sasha’s hands cover her mouth as she stares at me with wide eyes.

“I’ve been there. Your poor, sad pussy!” Gem exclaims.

“Fuck that asshole! I hope his dick falls off!” Mia cries.

Tears stream down my cheeks as I laugh, and I try to suck in air. “He used to get mad if I didn’t want to have sex! Like, sir,why?! Why would I get all excited for two minutes ofyourpleasure?”

Sitting up, I wipe my face and let out a breath. “But I stayed because I thought I loved him. I mean, I put years into that relationship, and I thought maybe it was just a rough patch, and we’d get over it. The idea of him growing and becoming the man I wanted him to be with his next girlfriend, had me settling and accepting foolishness. It finally became clear that if he wanted to, he would…” And it seemed like he wanted nothing more than to break me. Knock me down a few pegs. His ugly words, even though I knew they were bullshit, still cut me deep and led to some knock down drag out fights.

For everything I do around here and for you, I should be getting a lot more head.

You’re like a cold, dead fish. What’s wrong with you? You never used to act like this.

If I bought you a vacuum, would you actually use it? Or just pay someone else to take care of me?

You’re a feminist. You don’t need my help, remember?

The girls are quiet as I take another sip of my wine. Somewhere along the line, my happy tears morphed into outward signs of my pain. Sasha’s the first one to come over and wrap her arms around me.

“I’m so happy you’re here, with family. You did the right thing doing what’s best for you.”

Gem joins us next and gathers us both in her arms. “We all think you’re amazing and that’s after only spending a few days with you. If someone you spent years with can’t see that, I can only assume that he’s an idiot and he never deserved you.”

Mia joins us, kneeling at our feet and taking my hand. “Diva, we are so getting you laid. You deserve to come your fucking brains out.”

Snorting, I soak up their warm embraces and sweet words and huff out a little laugh. I’ve never been one for oversharing. Not even my closest friend knows what really happened. To notembarrass him, I suffered in silence. These girls will never meet him, this is my new life, and I take comfort in that.

“You girls are so sweet. Thank you.” I sniff.

“No, but seriously.” Mia squeezes my hand. “We need to throw you a divorce party or something.”

Gem claps. “Oh, yes, girl. You are getting so many new vibrators!”

“And butt plugs,” Mia says.

Sasha smiles at me, mischief painting her usually angelic features. “What’s your favorite color?”

“More importantly, do you like cowboys? I think it’s time you got back in the saddle.”

I don’t know what Mia’s obsession with cowboys is but I’m into it.

“I guess.”

“Good.” Gem claps her hands. “I’ll bring the lasso.”

All heads turn to her.

Um, giddy up.

CHAPTER SIX

XANDER

Striding into the restaurant, I wave to the hostess as she points to our usual table. I’m meeting up with the guys for a late bite before we crash this little party. We try to meet up weekly to play basketball and at least grab drinks, but a lot has changed now that everyone is so loved up. Spotting the guys at our usual table in the back corner, I head over.

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