Page 151 of Rush of Jealousy

He clears his throat into the mic, and he stares out into the crowd. “This song is dedicated to all the assholes out there who think it’s a genius idea to fall in love with their best friend. And the horrific nightmare that follows when she breaks your heart.”

The crowd goes wild with boos and hands raised into the air. A bunch of “fuck women” chants echo—despite the majority of the crowd being female for Ladies’ Night.

He bends down and retrieves a shot glass a patron delivers to him. He throws back the amber liquid into his throat and wipes his hand over his mouth to dry up any residual drops. “This song is called ‘Best Friend.’”

I stare at Zander as he adjusts the mic and starts to play a rhythm on his guitar. The words that follow are meant for me. I am the one who is the heartbreaker. I broke him. All because I belong to someone else.

I used to settle for less, hmm

I would take what I could get, yeah

I did not need those three little words

All I wanted was more

But you never saw me for who I am, no

You had eyes for another cruel joke

That’s not how fairytales always go, ohh

Bad guy wins, underdog chokes

Why did no one warn me

Why did no one care

To tell me I was an idiot

To fall in love with my best friend

I let down my armor

You broke down my walls

I fell head over heels

With a beautiful girl

Why did no one warn me

No, no, nooo

Why did no one care

Oh, oh, ohhh

This would have been easier

If we never met

Love is for fools, oh, oh, ohhh

Protect my own heart

Listen to my words, oh, oh, ohhh

Never fall in love with your best friend

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