Maxine raised her eyebrows. She and Shelby were used to Bryn’s attitude but Keira just couldn’t understand why Bryn had to be so possessive over her. She was allowed other people in her life! Bryn was super independent herself and always had loads of friends and boyfriends, was always on the go rushing around to events. Yet as soon as Keira wanted to spend time with someone other than her she got in a mood. Honestly, sometimes Keira felt like she was the elder of the two. Bryn could be a spoiled brat sometimes.

“Thanksgiving sounds so far away,” Shelby mused.

“I know,” Keira replied. “I feel like I’ve barely had a chance to be in New York. It’s like I’ve been on vacation here! I thought I’d have more time to catch up. I haven’t even found a new apartment.”

“Speaking of new apartments…” Bryn said.

She was looking at Keira’s cell phone on the counter. The screen was alight from having just delivered a text message. And Zach’s name was clearly visible on her screen.

“This had better be about the deposit being returned,” Keira said.

Just then, Maxine and Shelby exchanged a guilty glance and Keira got the distinct impression that they were hiding something.

“What is it?” she demanded.

She’d had just about enough she could take of surprises.

It was Shelby who finally confessed. “I think it might be about Julia. They broke up.”

Keira raised an eyebrow, surprised. “They did?” The affair that had cost them their relationship had lasted only a few weeks?

She picked up her phone and read Zach’s message. It confirmed Shelby’s news.

Hey Keira. Long time no speak. I wanted to let you know before you hear it on the grapevine that I broke up with Julia. It just wasn’t working. I was wondering if you might be around for a drink? Tonight? Tomorrow? Let me know. X

“Ugh, he’s such an arrogant jerk,” Keira muttered.

“What did he say?” Maxine asked.

“Nothing about the fact he’s keeping my deposit for ransom,” Keira told her with a disgusted voice. “He wants to go for a drink.”

Bryn’s mouth dropped open with surprise. “You’re not going to go, are you?” she asked.

Keira looked at her, shocked. “Of course not,” she said. “Unless it’s the only way to get that money back.”

Bryn tutted loudly. “If he’s bribing you to date him I swear to God I will give him a piece of my mind…”

Shelby frowned at her. “He’s not bribing her. Don’t be so dramatic.”

Bryn looked affronted. “I’m sorry, whose friend are you? His or Keira’s?”

“Both,” Shelby replied, folding her arms.

Bryn did not look impressed. “Even though he cheated?”

“Guys!” Keira interrupted. She was not in the mood for bickering. Her eyes were still glued to her cell phone screen.

Suddenly, Bryn snatched her phone away.

“Stop considering it!” she ordered Keira.

“I’m not!” Keira cried, trying to defend herself.

But Bryn was right, there was a small part of her that was considering it. Zach, for all his flaws, had cared about her. They’d spent two years together, had lived in an apartment together. He’d been committed, reliable. And he was definitely familiar. It was just the fact that she was putting work above him that had ruined things between them, driven the wedge that drove him into Julia’s inviting arms.