Page 12 of Nova

After I've brushed my teeth and washed the day-old makeup from my face, I grab some pain reliever from the medicine cabinet and chase two of them down with a glass of water. Once finished, I head to the kitchen, where I left my purse. Sifting through my bag, I find what I'm looking for—my phone. Twenty-six missed calls from Brad and three from Jackson. The latest one was an hour ago. I also see I have dozens of texts from Brad. I ignore those and open the one I have from my stepbrother.

Jackson:Hey. I just wanted to let you know I told Thomas you were sick and wouldn't make it into the office. Call me if you want to talk. I'm sorry Avery pulled this shit. Love you.

I text him back.

Me:Thanks for covering for me. Love you too.

No wayin hell was I going to work today. Thank God it's Friday. That gives me a few days to figure out how I'm going to face Brad on Monday.

"Hey," London's groggy voices call out. I turn to see her step into the kitchen and go straight for the coffee maker.

"Morning."

Several minutes pass in silence as London, and I make some coffee, then we sit down at her small dining table.

"How are you holding up this morning?"

I ponder my emotions before I answer. "I'm feeling okay."

"Really?"

"Yeah. When I think about it, Lon, I'm more hurt by the betrayal than the loss of a fiancé."

"Good," London smiles.

I quirk a brow. "Good?"

"Yeah. Good. I know you, Promise. Brad was not meant to be your forever. You're not in love with him. If you were, you'd be an absolute mess right now. And to me, that is a good thing."

"You're right, Lon. I've never come out and admitted it, but I'm not in love with Brad. I was in love with the idea of him. Of being with someone and starting my own family." Closing my eyes, I take a sip of my coffee and finally allow the tears to fall. I'm not crying because what I had with Brad is over. I'm crying for the loss of a dream. I want the husband, the kids, a house, and summer vacations. When I open my eyes, London is staring back at me with understanding. "I just want to belong to someone, Lon."

"I know you do, sweetie. And one day, you will."

Later that night,London declares we've had enough heavy shit and it's time to go out and let loose. Part two of operation break-up was about to begin, which leads us to this moment. Me, London, Sadie, and Ruby are in London's bedroom getting ready to go to a bar called Twisted Throttle.

"So," Ruby hedges as she shimmies into a little red dress. "Have you thought about where you are going to live? Since the apartment is Brad's?

"No," I sigh from where I'm perched on the bed as London does my makeup. She insisted she would pick out my clothes and fix my hair and makeup. London knows I would have thrown on a t-shirt and jeans then tossed my hair up in a ponytail. "I'll probably get a hotel for a couple of weeks until I find a place."

"No, you won't. You'll be staying with me until you find a place," my best friend informs me.

"Lon…" I go to protest only to have her cut me off.

"Zip it, Promise. I know my place isn't much, but it's better than a damn hotel."

I smile. "Thanks, Lon."

Finished with my makeup and hair, which is left down in loose curls that hang down my back, I take in the scrap of material London is holding out in front of me. "I can't wear that."

"Yes, you can, Promise. And you will."

Blowing out a breath, I take the skirt and top from London and put them on.

"Lose the bra, Promise. You can't wear one with that top."

"Seriously, Lon?"

"Do it. You'll thank me later."

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