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Or maybe I deliberately ignored every sound outside my room.

Today, I managed not to cross paths with him or to exchange a single word.

When it becomes painfully obvious that I’m accomplishing nothing except staring blankly at my phone, I lock the screen and toss it aside.

I’m not tired at all—which is surprising after a full day of work following a night with almost no sleep.

Annoyed, I get up and pull on a pair of jeans and a fitted top.

Silver platform heels with dangerously high stilettos complete the outfit.

If my clothes are boring, at least my shoes can save them.

I curled my hair this morning and braided the front sections back like a headband.

It still looks good, so I leave it like that.

As I touch up my makeup, I send my mom a quick text letting her know I’m fine and heading out with the team for a little while.

Less than fifteen minutes later, I’m already in the elevator.

Earlier, Miley texted me that they’d gone to a club only three minutes from the hotel, so I head in that direction.

The cool night air eases some of the pressure sitting on my chest.

I’ll dance with my coworkers for an hour or two, come back to the hotel, and hopefully sleep.

Peacefully.

Without a thousand thoughts chasing one another through my head.

A long line still stretches outside the club when I arrive, but I walk straight to the bouncer and tell him we have a reservation.

After checking Miley’s name on his tablet, he waves me inside.

A chorus of irritated complaints erupts behind me, but guilt barely has time to register. The moment I step inside, I regret coming.

Too many flashing lights.

Too much noise.

The air is thick with perfume, sweat, alcohol, and anticipation.

I scan the room, searching for my team’s table, but the lights change every few seconds, making it almost impossible to see across the crowded dance floor.

I decide to stop at the bar first.

Maybe after a glass I’ll have enough patience to find Miley.

Or I’ll text her and wait.

There’s a line there too.

The bartenders move quickly, so I study the drinks menu mounted behind them until it’s my turn.

The person in front of me is still waiting for their order when I glance around again.

Just hoping to recognize someone.