The four of us sit at the bar, which was fully packed when we entered. However, Anaya can charm the pants off anyone and succeeded in convincing a group of guys to empty their seats for us.
Two out of four of the guys haven’t stopped eyeing my friend, who is blissfully ignoring them.
I nudge her shoulder with mine to garner her attention. I lean closer when she turns to me. “If you wanna go flirt and have fun, don’t hold back on my account.”
“Oh shush! They look like they’ve barely passed high school.” Waving one finger, she says, “I don’t do underage.”
“They’re not the only ones checking you out,” I point out.
“This is girls’ night. I can get laid any time. Plus, I find more attractive men at the gym. Bonus, they’re not drunk and fumbling idiots.”
“What are you two whispering about over there?” Noor demands suspiciously.
Anaya leans forward. “We’re betting to see when you’re gonna grow a pair of lady balls and flirt with cute guys, as you boasted back at Arya’s place.”
“I will! I-I’m just finishing up my drink.”
All of us are at fifth or sixth drink for the night. The alcohol beginning to take effect.
“Wuss.”
Noor throws a fry at her. “Not everyone is great at flirting like you.”
“Practice, baby, practice.”
We all chuckle.
Misha tilts her head at me. “Don’t tell me you aren’t feeling better.”
“I am.” It isn’t a lie. I won’t say I’m completely over what happened to me, but my spirits have been uplifted a little. Their surprise and presence over the last two hours made me forget about the dark haze I’ve been in.
Does this mean my pity party has come to an end?
I hope so.
The throng of people, dancing, drinking, and laughing, has reminded me that I can’t just stop living and wallow in pain. I’m not the first person to have her heart broken. Or have been betrayed by the ones they love. I won’t be the last either.
I need to recalibrate my life.
The first step is going to be shifting back to my apartment. The media ought to have moved on to the next juicy gossip. I should be old news.
I’ve also been away from work for far too long. I can’t allow my career to take a nosedive because of my failed engagement.
Someone snaps their fingers in my face.
Jolting, I blink.
“What’s with the serious look?” Noor probes.
I take a sip of my martini. “I want to go back to work.”
“That’s wonderful.”
“I need to figure out how to convince Papa first.” Resting my chin on my fist, I ask the most pertinent question. “What’s happening online? Am I being trolled? Trending still?”
“Nothing of the sort,” Anaya answers.
“But at one time, I was?”
