Page 76 of The Friend Situation

I walk into my penthouse and hop into the shower.

As the warm water washes over me, I try to decide what to do.

To go to Obsidian or not to go? That is the question.

12

CARLEE

As I wait to gain entry, the familiar pulse of music thumps through my veins, and I’m brought back to my early twenties. I remember what it was like to experience the city for the first time. It was invigorating, and I felt free. Those were the good ole days, when I was young and naive about how the world worked. It’s been years since I’ve been to a club. Based on the line of people wrapped around the block, the crowd hasn’t aged any.

Once I’m at the door, the big, burly bouncer checks my ID. I look past him at the vibrant lights flashing inside. The guy eyes me with a shit-eating grin—a confirmation that I’ve still got it. With a casual flick of his wrist, he waves me in like I’m the chosen one. No cover charge tonight—pretty girls never pay.

The night is alive with possibility, and I’m ready to embrace it. Lexi talked to me for two hours, and her voice soothed me as I hyperventilated about seeing Samson again. But I need to meet him.

Everything had felt right the last time we were together, but that was nearly seven years ago. We shared an incredible night that’s bittersweetly etched into my memory. I thought he was going to propose, but he didn’t. Two months later, we broke upand never talked again. Closure wasn’t something I had been given. Now I don’t need it.

Obsidian swallows me whole. Every inch of it, from floor to ceiling, is covered in different shades of black.

The skintight minidress hugs my every curve while the patent leather heels give me several inches. It’s confidence I need. The all black dress code is required to gain entry, so everything inside is a part of the experience, including the guests.

As I step onto the dance floor, several heads turn, focusing on me. I make eye contact and grin at a few hotties as the pulsating lights flicker. If I wanted, I could take any of them home with me. I’m single, and this is the type of place where one mingles. Obsidian has a reputation.

I move through the crowd and catch glances of couples lost with one another, kissing and dancing. I take in my surroundings, knowing this will be my first and last visit.

When the crowd parts, I see Samson leaning casually against the polished wood bar, wearing a tailored black button-up and sleek slacks. I freeze, taking him in, almost disbelieving he’s here.

Once upon a time, I begged him to visit me and even offered to buy his plane ticket. But his job always seemed to cage him, locking him away from us.

Gathering my courage, I glide toward him as the rhythm of the music pounds beneath my feet. We meet eye to eye, and the world narrows to just the two of us.

I smile as good memories replay in the back of my mind.

Time heals wounds, but I’ll never forget how he tossed me to the side. A part of me wants revenge for him hardening me, and the other part wants closure. I should’ve told him no, but curiosity always gets the best of me.

In the end, that might be my demise.

“Leelee,” he whispers.

A thrill rushes through me as he wraps me in a hug. It’s thenickname everyone from my hometown calls me. It’s one I haven’t heard in a very long time.

“You haven’t changed a bit,” he quips in his charming Southern accent. His eyes hold the remnants of a connection we once shared.

He pulls out a stool for me, and I sit.

The truth is, I have changed—because of him—but I keep it to myself.

“The facial hair suits you. Have you been working out?”

I can’t help but notice how fit he is. Clearly, he’s taken care of himself, and time has been good to him.

“Yeah, but don’t let it fool you. I’m hot-girl fit.” He chuckles, his laughter warm. “Ask me to run a mile, and I might die.”

My laugh blends with the club’s vibrant energy. “I’ll keep that in mind. How have things been at home?”

“Everything is still the same.”

“I’m sure. Seeing you reminds me that I need to call and check in.”

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