Page 41 of Pucking Rebound

We’re both slightly broken.

Maybe we could heal one another.

I push my fingers into my eye sockets and give them a rub.

My eyes sting from crying most of the afternoon. Not from sadness, but from being angry at myself. For allowing myself to be targeted by a thief. The police used the wordsallegedthief because he’s a suspect until they have enough evidence to charge him with theft, forgery, and fraud.

I can’t believe I was so clueless.

Pulling my phone out of my purse, I finally drop a text to my best friend, Piper.

It’s the moment I've been putting off.

I wish I had listened to her when she told me to seek legal advice when Graham asked me to financially help him with his business.

There was never a doubt in my mind about his intentions. He swore he loved me and I believed him. He promised me that he would pay back every dollar he borrowed, but I’ve yet to see a dime of it. Now, I might never see any of it again.

Me:

I have something to tell you, and I can’t even bring myself to call you because I feel so stupid. x

She instantly replies.

Piper:

I’m your best friend. You know I would never judge. x

My fingers hover over the keyboard, hesitant to share the shit show that my life has become as another text drops in from her.

Piper:

Did he do something? Are you okay? Please tell me you’re okay or I am jumping in my car and driving to your apartment to check on you if you don’t text me back right this hot minute.

I quickly type my reply before she gets a chance to make good on her threat.

Me:

Don’t do that. I moved out. I’m at the arena, please don’t call as I won’t hear you.

I look around me. Having arrived much too early, the arena is only half full, but I don’t have the strength to talk to her. Texting seems like an easier option.

Piper:

What happened? What time does the game finish? I can meet you straight after. Where are you living? Lola, I am freaking out right now. Please tell me before I have a seizure.

I chuckle to myself imagining her frantically pacing up and down her lavish art gallery.

Me:

I caught Graham having sex with Nicole.

Piper:

His store manager?

Me:

Yes.

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