Hey, Paula, I just cheated on you. Thing is, I’m not sure who with.

Paula picked up a washcloth and wiped the black streaks of mascara from under Kelly’s eyes. “Don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me.”

A fresh wave of nausea washed over Kelly. She swallowed hard. “Secret?”

“Not everyone needs to know you can’t hold your liquor. I do remember what it was like to be twenty-five.” She patted Kelly’s arm. “One day you’ll learn how to pace yourself, dear.”

And here we go again.

Caring one minute, condescending the next.

“Oh, wait a minute.” Paula tapped her lip looking thoughtful. “Let me check if Grace is home. She could be in her room. I’m sure if she hasn’t been drinking she’ll be happy to give you a lift.”

“No, please. Go back to your guests. A cab won’t cost much.”

“You sure? Most people have left now anyway.”

“Positive.” Kelly hung her head as she exited the bathroom.

Her gaze landed on Murray’s sandal covered feet. She didn’t dare look up again until she’d dialled a cab and slipped out of the house.

The loud clunk of the garage door as it banged closed behind her made her jump as surely as if she’d been kicked up the backside.

Fifteen minutes later, Kelly turned the key in the door to her flat, never happier to be home. Her glee was short-lived when she flicked on the living room light and came face to face with a sight she never wanted to see, her long-time friend’s backside.

Steve spun around. “Hey, what are you doing home?”

“Bloody hell.” Kelly splayed her fingers across her eyes. “Dude, put some clothes on.”

As if suddenly realising he was stark naked, Steve glanced down. “You like?”

Kelly scoffed. “You’re such a pig.”

He waggled his hips. “I prefer donkey.”

“Yeah, you’re right, you’re an ass.”

Despite knowing Steve loved to play the clown, Kelly was in no mood for jokes. She cut a diagonal path across the living room to her bedroom.

The carpet beneath her feet served as a harsh reminder she’d left her shoes on Paula’s bedroom floor.

“Goodnight, Steve.”

Chapter 2

The following morning, Kelly awoke to her best friend bouncing up and down on the side of her bed.

“Hey, what time is it?” Kelly pried her eyes open.

“It’s after ten; time to spill.” The bed shook as Nicole got comfortable, leaning against the headboard. “What are you doing home? Please tell me you at least got laid before you gapped it.”

Too embarrassed to look her friend in the eye, yet needing to confide in the only person she could, Kelly dragged a pillow over her head. “Yes, I had sex.”

The pillow was unceremoniously ripped out of Kelly’s hands. She was met by Nicole’s inquisitive gaze.

“Why so glum?”