Chapter 3

3

"Finding someone trustworthy isn't easy," my boss said with a smile. "If you want the job, it's yours. When can you leave?"

"I can leave whenever you need me," I replied firmly.

I spent the next few days handing over my current projects. As soon as my successor was briefed, I booked a one-way ticket.

When my flight landed in Seattle, I turned on my phone. I had several missed calls waiting for me. Most were from my parents, but two names stood out.

Skylar and Caleb.

I hadn't spoken to either of them since the night of the party. I ignored their calls and checked in with my mom first.

After assuring her I was safe, I called my best friend, Chloe. She picked up on the first ring.

"Finally! Caleb has been hounding me for your address," Chloe said. "I didn't tell him a thing. You better not let him off easy this time."

I laughed softly. "I'm not giving him any lessons, Chloe. There is no 'us' anymore. It's over."

"Wait, are you serious? You're actually dumping him for good?"

"We're already done," I said.

Chloe had seen our entire relationship. She had seen us fight and make up a hundred times. In her mind, I was the girl who would always forgive him.

She didn't realize that even a heart like mine had a breaking point.

After hanging up, I grabbed my suitcase from the carousel. I walked out of the terminal and saw a familiar face waiting by the curb.

It was Jace Reed. He was the host from my engagement-turned-housewarming party.

We had stayed in touch briefly after that night. I found out he was actually a journalist who had been filling in for a friend. He had gone to college in Seattle and moved back here after graduation.

When I posted on social media about moving, he had reached out. I didn't know anyone in the city, so I figured having a friend wouldn't hurt.

I hopped into the passenger seat of his SUV. He was naturally charismatic and didn't let the silence become awkward.

"What brings you to the rainy city?" he asked. "It's not exactly the sunshine capital of the world."

I finished replying to a work email and put my phone away. "Freedom," I said. "And a lack of people I don't want to see."

Jace glanced at me. "People you don't want to see?"

I saw no reason to lie. "You remember my fiancé running out on me at the party, right?"

He nodded. "Hard to forget a scene like that."

"He had a habit of doing that," I said, my voice cold. "He chose my best friend over me one too many times."

Jace looked shocked. He turned his head so quickly that the car swerved slightly. I gasped and told him to keep his eyes on the road.

"Sorry," he apologized. "I'm just stunned. That guy must be an absolute idiot."

I appreciated the sentiment. That night, Jace took me out for a welcome dinner. After a couple of drinks, the whole story started pouring out of me.