Liam looked back at the photo. “I don’t know either,” he said. “I do understand,” he finally said. “Sort of, anyway. I’m trying to at least. I know you were in an untenable situation, but I still need time, you know? I need time to come to terms with it all. To grieve.” She nodded. “I understand,” she replied, pulling away from him. He caught her hand before she could leave, turning toward her and waiting for her to meet his eyes. “I need time, but that doesn’t mean I need time away from you,” he said, his voice rough. “I’m sorry about lunch yesterday. I’m sorry for saying the things I said. I was hurt—I am hurt—but that was no excuse to lash out at you. I’m sorry. I know this isn’t going to resolve itself overnight, but I want to try to get through it together. All of us.” Loretta smiled up at him, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears. “I’d like that too and thank you for your apology. I owe you one too. I’ve been a little obsessed with getting to know Jonathon and I d
Peyton narrowed her eyes at him but didn’t say anything. Mia had an arm slung around Peyton’s shoulders, her eyes closed, and her hair a mess. It looked as if Peyton took most of her weight because Mia was barely able to walk. Liam got to his feet and reached for Mia. “Let me help you—” “No,” Peyton replied. “But—” Mia opened her eyes and smiled drunkenly at him before she remembered she was still mad at him and her expression soured. “Go home, Liam,” she slurred. “We need to talk—” “She’s hardly in any condition to talk,” Peyton snapped, and Liam felt immediately guilty. “At least let me help you get her into bed.” Mia tick-tocked her finger in front of his face. “No more super-duper fantastic mind-boggling sex for you,” she said, stumbling over the words. “Na-uh. We’re over, remember?” “Mia, please. I didn’t mean what I said—” Peyton got the door unlocked and turned to Liam. “She’s not going to remember a thing you say right now
Peyton found it difficult to open her front door. She was holding a big messenger bag and a bag of Thai food in her other hand when the overstuffed garment bag with the absurdly huge Cinderella outfit got stuck between her and the door jamb. Her front door key and her phone, which had been vibrating frantically, were in her other hand. With a burst of kinetic force, she rocketed through the little gap like a bullet fired from a spitball pipe and managed to burst inside the room. The keys, phone, and clothes bag all went flying, but she was able to save herself and her Thai meal from falling to the ground. If the messenger bag hadn't been fastened across her body, it would have done the same."Shit! She shouted, not specifically to anyone.Anyhow, no one was around to hear her scream. She was a single woman. In theory. Although he didn't pay rent for the privilege, her fiancé spent most nights at her apartment, but he hadn't been there in a few weeks. Because he was a hot salesperson a
The TV remained turned on. She had slept out in the armchair like some ninety-year-old granny, but the Geordie Shore marathon went on. She looked at the clock. On a Saturday night, she was already passed out in front of the TV by nine o'clock. What a crazy life she had.She kicked the messenger bag and clothing bag aside as she dragged herself across the floor while the thumping resumed.How come? She screamed as she pulled open the door.Her partner in crime and best buddy was standing on the other side of the door, fist lifted in mid-knock.Mia said, "Oh my goodness, you're still alive."Peyton moved back to allow her entry into the flat, giving her a perplexed look. Whatever had happened must have been serious because she was carrying ice cream and alcohol.After placing her supply bag on the kitchen counter, Mia turned to observe Peyton. She stepped forward, reaching out to cup her face and giving her a pitying gaze. She pushed her hand away, Peyton.How come? She enquired. "What
Mia knelt next to her and gave her a kind nod. Yes, it would be incredible!"Peyton rested her head back on the sofa, gazing up at the sky. "When she finally gets a hold of me, my sister is going to have a field day," she said. "And Declan will laugh himself silly."Does Declan have a sister that he married?"Not at all. It is he who wed my boss on his own private island in the Whitsundays.Right. the person you're crushing on."Had." possessed a crush on. But it's terrible how smitten he is with Chloe. I no longer have any regard for him at all.Yes, exactly, Mia snorted. It's awful, but not really, to see a gorgeous billionaire, that is, become all mushy and gooey over his expectant wife. Not in the slightest.Peyton let out a sigh. "I am aware."After the song ended, it began again.Mia sprang to her feet and exclaimed, "I have an idea." "This song is perfect for making fun of Dale. You may inform his new wife that she married a complete douchebag and tell him what a useless piece
Peyton gently opened her eyes, then quickly closed them shut. It had brightness. Far too intelligent. It can't be that she shut the blinds before turning in. Her head felt like it was about to blow up when she attempted to open her eyes once more. Yes. I won't attempt that once again. It was wonderful to keep your eyes closed. Open eyes were not good. Really, really awful.She groaned as the intense light shot like a laser beam into her head, making her forget that opening her eyes was a horrible idea.There was a muffled whimper next to her, "Make it go away."Peyton was able to move her head just enough to see Mia sprawled out next to her, her black hair strewn over the pillow and her arm flung over her eyes.Once more, the buzzing sound occurred, and Peyton extended her hand to grab her phone off the nightstand. She narrowed her eyes and studied the screen, attempting to interpret all of the alerts she was receiving. She wasn't bothered at all. Without caring if the phone made it o
Peyton announced to Mia, who was staring at her as if she would pass out, "I'm going for a shower." "Cassie will arrive shortly."Mia remarked, "I might take off then." Mia avoided spending as much time as possible with Cassie since she intimidated her.Peyton responded, "You don't have to leave.""Yes, I believe I do."Peyton pulled Mia into an embrace and whispered, "I don't blame you, Mia, and neither will Cassie.""Nevertheless, I'd rather not be here just in case," Mia remarked.Peyton cluckingly responded, "Okay, chicken," as Mia made her way to the front door.Peyton took a deep breath and fought back the tears when she was alone herself. How could she always get caught up in this?Chloe and Becky accompanied Cassie as they arrived. They carried gifts that could be eaten when they entered Peyton's flat. Chloe was ready to break into any database in order to assist Peyton—she had already purchased her laptop. Peyton felt her tears well up again as Becky gave her a firm hug.She
Perhaps I wasn't as infatuated with him as I thought. You know, all I wanted was to be married and stable. He appeared to be the ideal man. He has decent but not spectacular looks. He was kind to me and did an excellent job. Although the sex wasn't great, you know it was consoling as well? Like, maybe I wouldn't have to worry that I wasn't enough for him if he was a true dynamo in the sack. I was confident that he wouldn't cheat because he was just mediocre.In the increasingly silent kitchen, that final sentence was met with silence. The truth was that he had cheated, even on a showgirl.She complained, "I'm destined to be alone for the rest of my life," and then shoved a large piece of bacon into her mouth.After being fed and checked on by her pals, Peyton was left alone once again. She took a seat with her laptop and confronted her worries. She saw the video that she had brought up.Indeed. Even though it was just as embarrassing as she had anticipated, there was something unsettl