Chapter 3

3

I took a long shower, washing away the stress of the day, and got ready to meet my friends.

It had been way too long since I'd just had fun.

I felt a little nervous walking into the bar. What if it was awkward?

But the moment I opened the door to our private booth, the tension vanished.

"Look who decided to show up! Did your husband finally give you a hall pass?"

"Seriously, Veda. Since you and Foster got serious in college, you disappeared off the face of the earth."

"Is he really that controlling?"

I just smiled as they teased me. I didn't want to bring the mood down immediately.

Finn gave the others a sharp look, telling them to shut up. He could read the room better than anyone.

I set my bag down and took my seat at the head of the table.

I looked around at their familiar faces and took a deep breath.

"I'm going to have a lot more free time from now on," I said, keeping my voice light.

"I'm single. It's over."

The room went dead silent. The joking stopped instantly.

They all looked at me with varying degrees of shock and concern.

"Why aren't you guys cheering? This is a good thing."

I meant it. I felt lighter than I had in years.

Seeing that my smile wasn't fake, the atmosphere finally relaxed.

"Actually, being single suits you," Finn said, raising his glass. "You've looked miserable for eight years, even if you tried to hide it. You finally look like yourself again."

He was the only one who really saw through the mask.

"Tonight, we drink until we can't feel our legs," I proposed.

I hadn't let loose like this in forever.

When I was with Foster, I was always restrained. I didn't drink much because I wanted to be ready in case he called or needed something.

Now, I was my own person.

"To freedom!" the table cheered.

The night became a blur of laughter and shots. One by one, my friends started to succumb to the alcohol.

Eventually, it was just me and Finn, leaning against each other.

"Is it for real this time? No going back?" Finn asked, his voice thick.

"No going back."

"I wanted to say something so many times," Finn sighed. "I hated seeing you suppress yourself for him. But you seemed to think it was worth it, so I kept my mouth shut."

"I'm just glad you're back, V."

I laughed, but then my phone buzzed.

Finn and I both looked at it. It was a DM from Foster.

I had blocked his number, but I forgot to block him on social media.

"Veda! What the hell is wrong with you? Why is all my stuff at my parents' house?!"

"I told you, she's sick! Why are you being so heartless?"

"You're being so incredibly petty right now."

"My parents are freaking out. They keep calling me. What did you tell them?"

"Stop throwing a tantrum. This isn't cute."

"Do you actually want to break up? Is that what this is?"