Page 7 of A Win-Win Situation

Adeline grabs my hand. "No, you’re not."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing thoughts.

"It's just that . . . everything feels so overwhelming. I don't know how I’ll ever move forward." A tear slowly makes its waydown my cheek and I wipe it away with a shaky hand. "I don’t want to feel like this."

Adeline nods, her eyes conveying compassion. "It's okay to feel that way," she reassures me. "But you're not alone. We'll figure it out together."

I lean into her, feeling the weight of my troubles start to lift, even if only for a little while. I know that it won’t be fixed overnight, but at this moment, with Adeline by my side, I feel a glimmer of hope for the future.

The soundof the door slamming wakes us up, with the credits toMamma Mia 2still playing in the background. I reach for my phone and it lights the dark room.I check the time, shocked to see it's 1 a.m. When did it get so late?

"Honeys, I’m home!" Sophie’s voice bellows through the hallway, accompanied by the rough sound of a suitcase being dragged behind her.

Her blonde hair sways as she runs toward me. "I'm so sorry I couldn't get here earlier. My manager wouldn't let me go," she says as she wraps her arms around me in a tight embrace. She’s been out of town for the past three weeks working on an interior design project for a small hotel in New Orleans.

"You are the most amazing person I know," she says, her embrace getting even tighter. "He was never good enough for you, and I hope you know that."

Her words hit me hard and I lean into her warmth.

"What do you say we order some take-out and watch the only movies that make you happy?" Sophie leans back from our embrace and regards me with her beautiful smile.

"We’ve—" Adeline starts before I interrupt her.

"Thank you, that sounds like a great idea." I don’t have it in me to tell her we’ve already watched the movies, so I sit back and let her press play.

I couldn’t focuson the movie the second time around. All I could think about was this damn trip. The question of whether or not I should go has been plaguing me for the past two weeks. I already paid for the flight and the hotel so if I don't go, I’ll lose the money. On the other hand, there’s the cost of food, drinks and activities—which means even if I do go, I’ll lose money I don’t have. However, if I don't go, I know they won’t go either, which will ruin their vacation plans. I guess I might as well go and have fun with them—if nothing else it will keep my mind off of things.

"I need one of you to go grab my luggage from my apartment." If John’s there, I’ll most likely slap him.

Both Adeline and Sophie’s eyes meet mine. "I would go, but I’m not sure he’ll be gone. I started packing three weeks ago and I’m almost finished. The only thing missing is some underwear and bikinis, so please throw some in while you’re at it."

They both nod in understanding. "Of course," Adeline answers with a certain glow behind her eyes.She’sprobably planning to smack him in the face for me.

I love this girl.

Sophie catches on. "Only to get the suitcase!"

Adeline responds by nodding, robotically, with a maniacal grin that tells me I shouldn’t believe that she will leave John’s face untouched.

Sophie reassures me they will be as mature as possible, even though he doesn’t deserve it.

They quickly head out the door, promising to be back as soon as possible, leaving me alone.

Everything floods back.

I’m a failure.

I’m not good enough.

I always thought I would have everything by now—my dream job, a handsome husband, and a beautiful child. My plan was to grow up, work hard for my diploma, fall in love with a decent guy, get married, and start a family. And considering, so far, I only have accomplishedoneof those things, I feel like I've failed miserably.

I havenothing.

My hands tremble as I gulp down a glass of water—anxiety and frustration swirling inside me. Everyone around me seems to know where they’re headed, except me. Even Adeline and Sophie seem to have it all figured out.

Honestly, I’m not jealous—I'm incredibly proud of Adeline's success as aNew York Timesbestselling author, and I’m excited for Sophie's potential promotion. Before we know it she will be taking over the interior design company she works for—as she should because she’s incredible at what she does. I’m not jealous, but their success perpetuates this feeling that I’m behind everyone in life.

A tear slips down my cheek.

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