Page 43 of What are the Risks
“Evan and Elizabeth will come,” I pointedly said, catching Evan’s eye and hoping he caught my drift.
That would give Ryker and Miranda a moment alone. Unlike Ryker, Evan wouldn’t have any reservations about letting me find a spot on the dance floor by myself. He could continue flirting with Elizabeth just fine from anywhere.
Taking the hint, he got to his feet and tugged Elizabeth to hers. He was wearing a black cap and matching dark tee that moulded to his muscled arms and torso, and jeans that clung to his thighs. If Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling had a baby, it was Evan. The guy was so hot it was unfair. I’d always thought that, and now that I was single, I could admit it.
Ugh. Single.
I hadn’t been single since I was sixteen. I didn’thowto be single. Was this what my nights would look like soon? Going to clubs on double dates? Did I need to download all the apps like Jaz? Or be open to threesomes like Daisy? Or have more than one guy on the go like Bri?
The alcohol must be wearing off, because I was thinking too much again. Once we were far enough away from the booth, I told Evan I needed a drink before heading to the bar.
After waiting in line and paying way too much for a vodka, I found a quieter spot against a wall and pulled out my phone. The girls’ chat was going wild. Daisy was on a date tonight.
Daisy: His friend just ‘bumped’ into us and is staying for a drink.
Jaz: Is tonight the night?
Daisy: I hope so. The friend is hot.
Bri: I can’t believe you’re about to get railed by two guys.
Daisy: *Sweat droplets Emoji*
Jaz: Where’s Ruby? She’s been way too quiet today.
Daisy: She’s probably busy getting railed by Noah.
Bri: Speaking of railing... gotta go. Just arrived at my situationship’s condo.
Jaz: *Fire Emoj* *Sad Emoji* #RidingSoloTonight
Jaz: I’m putting a bottle of wine in the fridge so you can all fill me in on the threesome, reunion sex and one-night stand shenanigans tomorrow.
A deep ache settled in my chest. Telling the girls was going to be hard. Maybe I’d cop out and send them a message before boarding my flight home. That would give them time to digest the bombshell while I was stuck in airplane mode.
The mere thought of not only explaining the story to them, but to my parents, and Noah’s family, and Ryker especially, made me nauseous. It was tempting to release a statement like a celebrity to avoid having to repeat the story over and over.
After almost eight-years, Noah and I have not-at-all-amicably split. Please direct all questions to the cheating asshole at fault.
Alone for the first time tonight, I caved and opened Noah’s messages.
Noah: Where did you go?
Noah: Babe please come back. We need to talk.
Noah: It was a mistake. A stupid drunken mistake.
Noah: I love you Ruby. Don’t do this to me.
Noah: I’m driving around. Where are you?
Noah: Meet me somewhere to talk.
Noah: She meant nothing to me.
Noah: I hate myself. Please forgive me. I’ll make this up to you.
Noah: I fucked up.
