But never fear, a new one filled to the brim floats in front of my face. I turn to thank the server, only to find the glass is being proffered by my best friend, May. The server is right behind her, a plate of fried pickles in one hand and a giant piece of cheesecake in another.

He drops the goods on the table while May slides into Evan’s now empty seat. She flashes the server one of her knockout smiles and he’s only momentarily stunned, scurrying away a second later.

“Is it too soon to say how much I will not miss that guy?” May dips a pickle in ranch and hands it to me.

Mmm. Pickles and a dirty martini. I can practically feel my blood pressure rising due to the salt intake, but that doesn’t stop me from shoveling one after another in my mouth. Plus, the breading will help soak up the alcohol already sloshing around in my stomach, so really, I’m making the healthy, sensible choice.

“You’ve never exactly been shy about your feelings when it comes to Evan. No need to start now.” To be fair, I’ve never exactly been shy about my feelings when it comes to Evan either. Perfect partner the man is not—was not.

She softens her voice, reaching over and squeezing my hand. “Want to talk about it?”

I take down half of my drink. “I thought he was going to propose and instead he dumped me, I think that’s about all there is to say.”

“He’s lucky he left before I got here.” May inches a glass of water in my direction, but I ignore it.

“That wasn’t a coincidence.” I give her a look dripping in drunken sappy love. “You’re terrifying when you go all mama bear.”

May gives me a gentle smile, and that’s when my eyes fill with tears. Tears that only seconds later rush down my cheeks like that really big waterfall in Yosemite, though not nearly as picturesque, I’m sure. It doesn’t even take a breath before I’m enveloped in a hug, May’s spicy citrus scent wrapping around me like my old security blanket.

I’d never try to claim the thick black tracks of mascara streaming down my face are due to genuine sadness at the loss of my relationship. I’m not bereft at the thought of no longer being with Evan. Even now, less than an hour after listening to him tell me it’s over, I know deep down we were never right for each other in the first place. I know in a day or two, relief will wash over me like a cleansing ocean wave sweeping across the shore.

And that’s all well and good and positive-vibes and look-on-the-bright-side kind of shit.