Page 21 of The Breakup Broker

Two aspirin and a glass of water waited on my nightstand, and something crinkled underneath—a note written in that familiar, precise handwriting that still appeared in my dreams.

Common Grounds. 9 a.m.

I forced myself upright, fumbling for the aspirin. After swallowing the pills with a sip of water, I dragged myself to the bathroom. As the shower heated, I brushed my teeth, then stepped under the spray for a quick rinse. The moment I stepped out, my phone buzzed.

Maddy

You alive? You didn’t text.

Ivy

Did you make it to bed okay? We probably shouldn’t have left you alone.

Me

I’m fine. Just hungover.

I stared at my reflection in the steamy mirror, debating whether to tell them about Henry’s appearance. They’d dropped everything to rescue me at The Paper Crane yesterday. They’d been there for the original heartbreak, holding, supporting, and loving me. If anyone would understand how quickly my walls had crumbled, it would be them.

But telling them meant admitting that one touch had turned me back into that girl who believed in forever. That girl they’d worked so hard to help me bury.

I took another look at the smiley face on my bandage. They deserved to know.

Me

Something happened after you left last night.

Maddy

What do you mean?

Taking a deep breath, I typed the words that would change everything.

Me

Henry showed up.

Ivy

WHAT?

Maddy

Henry KINGSTON?

Me

No, Henry the VIII. YES, HENRY KINGSTON!

Ivy

Details. Now.

Maddy

Why didn’t you call us?

The story spilled out in a series of texts—how I’d almost fallen, how he’d caught me, carried me into my home. With each message, I waited for their judgment, their anger at my weakness.

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