Riley opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling, her fingers absently twisting a strand of hair that had escaped her bun. The late afternoon light filtered through her childhood curtains—the same curtains she'd had since high school, faded now but familiar.
How had she been so stupid?
Fake dating. What kind of idiotic plan was that? She should have just dealt with the teasing. Should have laughed it off like she always did. Should have never dragged Grant into her mess.
Except it hadn't felt like a mess when they were together. It had felt like coming home.
Riley's phone buzzed, jolting her from her thoughts. She grabbed it too quickly, hope flaring in her chest.
Not Grant.
Just the group chat.
The disappointment was sharp enough to make her eyes sting.
Her phone buzzed again. And again. And again.
Riley groaned and grabbed it.
Pine Valley Legends
Hannah: Girls night. NOW.
Emily: We're not taking no for an answer.
Jenna: Riley Monroe, answer your phone.
Riley: I'm fine. Just busy.
Hannah: Busy doing what? The boys are having a bonfire. We are having girls night.
Riley: Busy working.
Emily: You can work later. We're coming over.
Riley: Please don't.
Jenna: Too late. We're already in the car.
Hannah: With champagne.
Riley: I don't want champagne.
Emily: You NEED champagne.
Jenna: We'll be there in 10.
Riley dropped her phone on the bed and buried her face in her pillow.
She didn't want to see anyone. Didn't want to explain what happened or listen to them tell her it would all work out or accept their pity.
She just wanted to be left alone to plan her business and drink cocoa and pretend her heart wasn't shattered into a million pieces.
But this was Hannah, Emily, and Jenna. They didn't take no for an answer.
Exactly ten minutes later, Riley heard the front door open downstairs, followed by her mom's delighted greeting and the sound of shoes on hardwood.
"Riley!" Hannah's voice echoed up the stairs. "We're coming up whether you want us to or not!"
