Page 70 of No Turning Back
Kate's face softens immediately. She kicks off her heels and makes her way to the couch, gently lifting my legs to sit down before placing them across her lap.
"Oh honey, I'm so sorry I missed it. The Wilkes account exploded right before I was supposed to leave." She brushes hair from my face with cool fingers. "I see you and Aiden had quite the party without me."
"He's a terrible drinking buddy," I hiccup, pointing an accusatory finger in his general direction. "Wouldn't even finish one glass."
"Someone had to stay sober," Aiden mutters, backing away toward the kitchen.
"I'm officially divorced!" I announce to Kate, throwing my arms wide and nearly smacking her in the face. "Free from the fucktard forever!"
Kate laughs, catching my flailing hand. "I'm so proud of you, Quinn. You did it."
"I did it," I repeat, suddenly feeling overwhelmed again. The champagne has turned my emotions into a rollercoaster. "I really did it. There’s no turning back now."
"You need food," Kate declares, squeezing my ankle. "And water. Lots of water."
She disappears into the kitchen, and I hear her murmuring with Aiden. Probably discussing my drunken meltdown. I close my eyes, the ceiling spinning above me even behind my eyelids.
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I fish it out, squinting at the screen. It's Sam.
‘How did it go? You need me to come beat him up?’
I stare at Sam's text, my fingers hovering over the keypad. The alcohol has made my brain fuzzy but my heart crystal clear. Before I can think better of it, I type back:
'All signed. Official divorcee here. No need for violence but I'd accept comfort food and maybe a hug.'
I hit send and immediately regret it. Too needy? Too obvious? But then three little dots appear, and my heart does a stupid little flip.
'I've got lasagna and these arms aren't going anywhere. Just come home.'
I bite my lip, trying to contain the ridiculous smile spreading across my face. The room may be spinning, but one thing feels steady, how much I want to see him.
The words blur together as I blink back unexpected tears. Home. He called his place home. For me.
Before I can overthink it, I type back: 'Is it weird that I’m more sad about u friend zoning me than ending a 6 year marriage'
The moment I hit send; horror washes over me. Did I really just text that? To Sam? My fingers frantically tap the screen, trying to delete the message, but those cursed little check marks appear. Delivered. Read.
"No, no, no," I moan, dropping my phone like it's burning my hands.
Kate returns with a glass of water and a plate of something that smells delicious, but my stomach has twisted itself into knots. "What's wrong?" she asks, setting the plate down. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"I just drunk-texted Sam," I whisper, covering my face with my hands. "Like, the most pathetic thing ever."
"Show me," Kate demands, already reaching for my phone.
I groan but let her take it. She reads the exchange, her eyes widening. "Oh, Quinn."
"I know,"
My phone buzzes in Kate’s hand. I glance down, seeing Sam's name flash across the screen.
"It's Sam calling," Kate says, her thumb already moving.
Before she can do anything, I snatch the phone away and jab the power button until the screen goes black. The buzzing stops abruptly.
"There," I say, feeling oddly proud of myself. "Problem solved."
Kate stares at me like I've completely lost my mind. "Are you serious right now? You live with the man."
