cozy kitchen as she poured a generous glass of ruby-red Merlot. Emily's m

ng the entire bottle instead. She pressed the cool glass into

ent. The weight of it felt both comforting and dangerous - a lifeline and a weapon

hoked out, her voice raw from crying. "

eassuring hand on Emily's shoulder. "He's a fucking idiot,

e over and over. The tangle of limbs, the gasps of pleasure, the

whispered, more to herself than

Sophia spat, her hazel eyes flashing with anger. "You're smart, gorgeous, and s

ges of her pain. She glanced around Sophia's eclectic kitchen, with its mismatched mugs and

er voice small and uncertain. "We were supposed to g

ke shit. Tomorrow, we'll figure out how to cancel everything and get your deposits back. An

for her friend's unwavering support.

ome on, let's order some greasy fried chicken and talk shit ab

nother sip of wine. The pain was still there, raw and throbbing

her. With Sophia by her side and a bottle of wine in hand, she'd

over as she gestured wildly. "That lying, cheating bastard," she

g for the bottle to top up their glass

im, Soph. I fucking loved him." She grabbed a handful

lefield of empty wine bott

ubbing Emily's back. "But you deserv

hollow inside, like Ryan had scooped out her heart and stomped o

y declared, raising her glass.

against Emily's. "Hell ye

Emily's throat. She relished the sensation, wa

wore off men for a month?" Sophia gi

aying on her lips. "God, that was a

," Sophia corre

ty came crashing back down. "I can't believe I w

e, Em. You learned what you don't want in a

up again. "I just... I thoug

y is still out there. And when you find him, he'll

hed for the wine bottle, determined to drown her sorrows in alcohol and greasy food.