I still have most of my clothes here. If Dominic thinks he’s the only one who gets to behave like rules don’t apply, he’s about to learn otherwise.
I unlock my phone and reply to Melody.
Me: I’d love to come!
I yank open my closet, hunting for a dress. My eyes land on something I made but never got to wear: the shortest, tightest thing I’ve ever sewn. Deep emerald silk, thin straps, a neckline that goes to my sternum.
I pull it out and drape it over the bed just as my phone buzzes.
Melody: Yay! I’ll grab a cab and pick you up at 10!
The bass vibrates deep in my chest. Lights strobe across the dark room, slicing through perfume, sweat, and fog-machine vapor. On our way back from the washrooms, Melody tugs my hand through the packed crowd, her energy infectious and loud.
The moment we slip into the private section, someone whistles.
“I’ll never get over that dress,” Clarissa, Matt’s girlfriend, yells over the music with a smile.
I smile back and pick up my drink.
I only met these women thirty minutes ago and I already feel like part of the family. They’re sweet and have made me feel like I belong.
“Another shot?” Melody slings an arm around me.
“Absolutely.” I smile because the alternative is letting the pain swallow me whole.
The music builds and we move together, a ring of women dancing under the club lights. For a moment, I almost forget.
Then my phone buzzes with the same pattern I’ve felt all. damn. night.
I look down at the incoming call from Dominic. My stomach knots again. This isn’t the first call. Or the third. Or the fifth. He’s been calling all evening.
I wait for the line to go dead. The screen lights up with missed calls and unread texts. I scroll through notifications while the girls dance.
7:21PM Dom: Jessica.
8:53PM Dom: Where are you?
9:34PM Dom: Pick up.
10:22PM Dom: Jessica, pick up the damn phone.
10:36PM Dom: If you’re doing this on purpose, fucking stop.
My heart kicks painfully as I keep scrolling.
10:45PM Dom: Where the fuck are you.
And the last one, seconds ago:
11:19PM Dom: Pick. Up.
I swallow hard. Hurt and rage coil inside me. He had a woman leaving his house this morning, but now he wants to know where I am? No. I lock my phone and drop it into my clutch on the table.
I lift my chin, straighten my shoulders, and smile toward Melody and the girls.
“So, shots?” I say, even though my heart is breaking in slow motion.
Melody cheers and pulls me to the bar.
