Page 39 of Room Six

Since then we’ve taken our run-in with heartbreak and used it to establish a society where other women can share their experiences on loving more than one man at a time. The Morning After Society will open in one month.

It’s amazing how much time can change everything—for the good and the bad.

“Astra Constantine. You look beautiful with your pregnancy glow. Where are your men?”

I take the hug and the positive energy she pushes my way. Growing up in foster care was lonely. Astra is everything I wished to have in a sister.

She wags a finger in my face. “First, where is that beautiful mask I saw you with earlier?”

I huff. “Ditched it. I thought it would be easier for the members to recognize me if they need help.”

She considers me a moment and I know she sees through my half-truths, but she only gives me another hug. The truth is, I couldn’t bring myself to keep it on and not break down in tears from the weight of my broken heart. God, I’m a sappy mess tonight.

Astra settles her hands over her still slat abdomen making memories claw out of their neatly closed boxes. I shove those demons back in and turn the key. This is no place for my dark heart.

She doesn’t know the true depths of my heartache or how I miscarried three months into my pregnancy. No one does and I am not about to dampen her happiness with my craptastic past.

Her arms stay around my middle, and she rests her head on my shoulder. “It’s hard to think this is your last night here.”

“Yes, but not the last night for us. Do you think the Society will help women?”

“I’m hoping it will do more. I want to create a place where love can thrive. Just imagine all the stories we’ll hear about.”

“HA! You little gossiper.”

Her smile is laced with guilt but not a lick of shame. “Can you blame me? I love a good love story and the harder the path to that happily ever after the better, right?”

“You’re something else and speaking of love, where did your men wander off to?”

“Mirsha is getting himself and Luther a drink and I am pretty sure Viper is talking with Raja somewhere in that far corner. He wants to know about our contract and membership considering we are getting married soon.”

She taps the edge of the papers I have in hand. I was headed to Raja’s office when I caught sight of the beautiful starry sky and had to take a moment to enjoy it.

She pulls back in time to see my lips form a large O of surprise and I give her a big hug. “I knew it was only a matter of time before they proposed. Are you planning the big day before or after the baby?”

Twinkling stars of amazement and happiness glitter in my friend’s eyes. “It doesn’t matter. I’m not in any big rush. I was kind of hoping to hold the wedding at the society surrounded by all that beautiful stained glass we are having installed.”

“I would love to help plan it.”

“Girl, you’re going to be my everything. I couldn’t picture the wedding without you. Oh, here come the men.”

Three men well into their forties edge the growing crowd of members entering the large ballroom. Light jazz carries mingles with hushed voices. Women stop their conversations to appreciate the elegance of all three and without realizing it, fall under their spell. It’s a beautiful thing to witness. So is the love glimmering in my friend’s eyes.

I had that once. Did I glow with that much love?

I shove the intrusive thoughts to the side. None of my stupidwhat ifsorwhat could have beensmatter now. I’m here and they dumped me like a bad idea, broke my heart, stomped on it and ghosted me. I wasn’t even worth a goodbye.

There goes that heart pain again. I rub at my chest, covering my groan of pain with a fake cough.

I’m safe from my former guardian and no one knows where to find me.

That is what matters.

“Hey, babe, Are you okay?” Astra turns to face me blocking out the view. One night over cans of wood stain and pizza I told her certain pieces about Danika, Rune and Oliver. Other details I left out. She tries to make me see love can always happen and hearts can reconnect down the road. I guess I believe her, but tonight my wounds feel fresh.

“It’s your anniversary, right? The night you met them.”

“Yeah, but I have a lot to keep me busy and then tomorrow I move into the Society. It will keep my mind occupied until I can forget about them.”

---