Page 97 of Dance with Me on New Year's Eve

“Rox, can I ask … you rarely talk about your original career in mental health. What’s that about?” Hazel’s expression was friendly, even though her question felt threatening.

I took a deep breath and hoped my face wasn’t beet red.

One word.

“Shame.”

Mari nodded, and Hazel widened her eyes in understanding.

“Before you urge me to seek counseling, you know I already know what a counselor would say. And I know, I know,knowing isn’t the same as doing. But it’s just not … for me.” I winced, knowing this made no sense.

“Can we just ask you to think about it? You can decide against it,” Mari said hesitantly. “But just give it some thought.”

I fought against the urge to immediately say no and make up an excuse for them to leave. “I guess so.”

Suddenly, both of them were coming closer to give me a hug.

I froze and fought the urge to slip out of their embraces or push them away.

Hazel stepped back and laughed. “Not a fan of hugs, huh?”

“Sorry, I’ve just never been into hugs. Yet … this didn’t feel terrible.” They eyed each other briefly. “And by the way, I don’t know where my filter is today. I guess I lost it in this mess of a nightmare week,” I looked up and tried to smile.

“Or maybe, deep down, you’re realizing we are your friends, and we want to knowyou.” Hazel tilted her head. “Could that be it?”

My brow furrowed as I tried to process this. “I’m confused, but—”

I gasped as I looked down at Hazel’s hand. I pointed to her ring finger. “Is that what it looks like?”

Hazel beamed as she held out her hand to examine. “It is. Peter asked me to marry him at the party.”

I smiled, but only briefly. “Wait, the New Year’s party? Oh no, did my argument with—uh, did I ruin it? I’m so sorry I missed it.”

Hazel was still smiling. “Do I look like someone whose engagement was ruined? No, I’m deliriously happy. I thought it would take Peter a lot longer to work up the nerve.”

Mari pointed a thumb at Hazel. “It’s true. She’s been talking about it nonstop.” She paused a moment and then looked me square in the eye. “Are you going to tell us what’s going on with you and Jeff?”

“Nothing!” I cried. At their surprised faces, I lowered my voice. “Sorry. Nothing is going on.”

Mari leaned in. “But somethingwasgoing on, right?”

“I mean, we all saw you kiss him,” Hazel said with a grin.

I scoffed. “No,hekissedme—you know what? It doesn’t matter. It was nothing.”

“Remember the whole we’re-your-friends thing?” Hazel prodded.

I let my face fall into my hands for a long moment.

“Fine, there might have been something. But it won’t become anything.”

“Because it’s nothing?” Mari asked.

“Right.”

“You’re here exhibiting a classic case of rom-com heartbreak, looking as though you spent an entire week in your bedroom. All for nothing?”

I sighed. “That’s not—it’s not about romance. It’s just—he lied. I’m an idiot. And I can’t ever face him again.”

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