Page 2 of A Trial of the Heart
“I mean, be happy that his ass not pressing charges like the police tried to convince him. Be grateful the only thing he did was get a restraining order on your ass. I’m your best friend, so you know I am forever going to give it to you straight. I am not telling you to be happy because I don’t care but simply because we both know how things would have gone had he pressed charges. Plus, we both know Daniel can be bat shit crazy, so the fact you only have a mild concussion is surely something to be happy about.”
Maybe I should have been grateful. I had acted off of emotions and could have jeopardized my entire career, but grateful was the least of what I felt. It might have seemed like I was looking a gift horse in the mouth, but I wasn’t grateful. My heart was shattered. I was positive nothing could ever change that.
“Yeah, I guess so,” I muttered, tears still falling.
Grateful or not, for not being in trouble, it was obvious today was the start of my new life… without Daniel. I was tired of being treated less than I was worth. I had to do this for me.
Chapter
Two
Shiloh:
“Earth to Shiloh.” LeeAnn’s high-pitched voice and the waving of her hand in front of my face grabbed my attention.
“Yeah?”
“You sure you up for tonight? I mean, I know it’s the first night of the cruise, but with everything that has happened, if you want to stay in tonight, we can. I’ll understand.”
Sitting at the makeshift vanity in the beautiful ocean-view suite, I continued applying my makeup. It had been two short months since things transpired between Daniel and me; I wanted to do any and everything to get over him. Since he and I were over and the trip had been funded in full, I had LeeAnn tag along so what I paid wouldn’t go to waste. The pain was still fresh, but I vowed that whatever I felt on land would be left there until I returned.
Looking at her through the mirror, I forced a smile. “I’m good.”
Even before the lie left my lips, I knew LeeAnn wouldn’t believe it. She always saw through my bullshit.LeeAnn’s archedright brow hiked higher than it already was, and her eyes glued to mine through the mirror, confirming what I already knew.
With pursed lips, I tossed my hair over my shoulders, standing simultaneously. “Look, we both know what I dealt with, but Daniel and any problems I had with him are history. I came on this ship to bring in my dirty thirty properly as well as have a good fucking time… So, pour me up a drink, and let’s do just that.” I put on my best acting face.
“Well, okay then. That’s what I love to hear. Not only that, but you also rocking the hell out of that dress, so it’s time to get some heads turning.”
LeeAnn was too excited. So much so she spun on her heels to retrieve something to drink from the in-suite bar for us. With LeeAnn out of view, I used that time to wipe the tears that slipped at the thought of Daniel. I was healing, but he and I had so many years behind us that even through his infidelity, letting go seemed impossible. I exhaled heavily just when LeeAnn was returning with two shot glasses in her hand. She handed me my shot.
“Salud!”
I cleared my throat. “Salud.”
I wasn’t sure if the time on this ship was enough feasible time after all, but I would try to make it the best.
“Girl,I thought we were here for a good time,” LeeAnn yelled over the loud music.
It had only been two hours since we stepped into the grown and sexy club, and I was ready to go fifteen minutes in. I was just a few days shy of another milestone birthday, but I felt so out of place around the ones my age. The club had never been myscene. I was always one that would rather be at home curled up on the couch with a good book and glass of wine. Being outside irked my soul more than I cared to admit out loud since most people didn’t conduct themselves accordingly.
“I’m ready to go.”
The place was poorly lit with horrible strobe lights, but it didn’t make LeeAnn’s annoyed expression any less noticeable.
“Really?”
Hell yeah.
“I’m going to the bathroom,” I said, ignoring her, not waiting for her to acknowledge my departure. I only ignored LeeAnn because one question answered would lead to ten more asked.
I slowly ambled my way to the bathroom, having to push past people enjoying the night. They swayed to the beat, kissed who they were with, took shots, or just stood around having a time. The vibe was there. My mood was just off. Finally, I made my way through the crowd, reaching the bathroom. It was almost like a breath of fresh air not being surrounded by so many people. I didn’t have to use the bathroom, so after pushing the door open, I moved instantly toward the sink. Standing at the sink in the bathroom, I glared back at my reflection; I resembled myself on the outside, but what I felt internally didn’t match.
“I just need to take my ass to my suite and try again tomorrow,” I mumbled just as the toilet in the stall behind me flushed. Seconds later, a beautiful chick walked out.
Not paying the girl any mind, I continued staring back at myself until I could feel her staring a hole into the side of my face. Never being one to be afraid to speak my mind or address things when needed, I faced her.
“Can I help you with something?” My tone was even and not confrontational.
