Ria tugs me to look at her. “Alexa, I cannot believe our stories are so similar and we did it for the exact same reason. I lied to Drake and told him that I was married to keep him at bay. You lied to Leo to keep him close but we both did it for the same reason, we loved them. Drake was pissed I lied to him, but he didn’t even blink. Because deep down he knew the truth about why I lied. It’s not about the lie, it’s about the truth behind the lie. When Leo stops and thinks about it, really thinks about it, he’ll forgive you.”

Elise bumps Ria from in front of me with her hip. Then starts fixing my makeup. “Come on, Alexa, you got this. We’ll talk about this later. Right now, you need to get it together so we can send you out to enjoy your night. You should be smiling and happy, not in here crying with us.”

“Man, life is weird. I never thought I’d meet someone who did the same crazy thing I did.” Ria muses as she hands over a tissue to Elise.

Elise laughs, “What, meet a gorgeous man and fuck up? I’m pretty sure every woman does that. One day I’ll tell you about how I was stupid enough to walk out on Dmitri. I was trying to push his buttons to get his attention. Only I pushed him a little too far. Learn from me, Alexa, push their buttons but don’t push them away. There’s a difference.”

“Huge difference, oh yeah. Crap, Drake is texting me. Come on, you look great. Let’s go.”

We open the door to find Leo waiting, looking angry. His hand goes around my arm, pulling me close. “What is going on? Why were you in there for so long?”

“I’m sorry. I was just a little overwhelmed and got cold feet. They were helping calm me down. Please don’t be mad.” He looks really mad.

Shaking his head, he sighs. “I am not mad. I am frustrated I could not find you and concerned about you. Are you sure you are okay?”

With Elise and Ria’s words echoing in my head I can see it now clearly. Leo is worried, it isn’t anger I’m seeing. Now I’m wondering how often what I thought was anger in the past was actually frustration or worry. The tightness in my chest eases. Ria and Elise could be right, about everything. “I’m better than okay. I’m sorry I’m being such a baby today, thank you for being so patient.”

His relief is clear. “You are not being a baby, it’s normal to be nervous, I understand. It’s going to be amazing though because you are, and tonight is all about you.”