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But all I can think about is my poor best friend, Lil. She will be devastated when she finds out he has moved on.

Their breakup was messier than a kindergartener armed with finger paints, but nobody knows why things went south. All we know is that Lil has been pining away ever since and would almost have gotten married if Gem and I hadn’t intervened.

“How wonderful for Serena,” my mother says. “At least she has managed to snag such a fine gentleman.”

Should I tell Lil?

“Must run in the family,” Mrs. Morgan says. “It’s always lovely when our children find happiness.”

Happiness. Does that even exist?

At least not for my best friends and me.

Unable to take it any longer, I fetch my phone. There’s still no message from him. I type, and add two new messages to the bulk I had sent since… he left me.

Mary: What’s wrong?

Mary: Are you okay?

Desperate. I know.

I scroll through our old messages.

Mary: SOS

Chris: Is the food that horrible?

Mary: It’s my mother.

Chris: Deploying the rescue team. ASAP. In the meantime, try to blend in with your surroundings. Pretend you’re a fancy statue.

Mary: I think they’d notice if the statue started eating its weight in pastries.

Chris: Hang in there, soldier. I’ll have a drink waiting for you at the party.

Mary: You’re my hero.

Mary: Any plans today?

Chris: Got some laundry to do later and hit up the gym. Pretty standard Saturday.

Chris: Our date still stands, right?

Mary: Already have my outfit and mask ready.

Chris: Good. Can’t wait, love.

Love.

I remember how I giggled and jumped around the first time I read it.

Now, the word feels hollow and meaningless.

Why call me love and leave after taking my virginity?

Am I that horrible?

Chapter 5

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