I’d spent the last ten years planning ahead and scheduling everything. If I said I was going to be somewhere, I went. If I didn’t have time for something, I didn’t overschedule and try to do it anyway. I knew from experience that things went sideways when I deviated from the plans I’d made, so I didn’t do it, and when I did, my anxiety went through the roof.

But there was no way I could have planned for Alex.

I crawled out of bed and headed to the shower, my shoulders sore from how tense they’d been the night before. The party that Hailey had been so excited about had ended in disaster. I couldn’t believe how Sean had behaved as if it had been Hailey’s fault that all his friends had bailed. What a jerk.

I really hoped that he had a hell of a hangover when he woke up this morning, though it wouldn’t be enough to pay him back for the way he’d treated Hailey. I’d hated leaving her there with him, but I hadn’t been able to change her mind about coming home with me.

Men like Sean, who treated their girlfriends like crap from the very beginning, only got worse with time. They pushed and pushed, knowing that the deeper they got into the relationship, the worse they could act without repercussions. I’d seen it happen to friends in high school, and unfortunately, I’d see it again. It made me sick to watch.

I’d been lucky enough to grow up in two households where the men treated their wives like queens. My uncle worshipped the ground my aunt walked on, and was openly affectionate. My father, on the other hand, had been more reserved and quiet, but his adoration for my mother had been apparent in every look and gesture.

I knew that type of relationship was possible, so it always drove me crazy when a friend stayed with someone who didn’t treat them like they mattered.

I ignored the impulse to call Hailey and make sure she was okay as I got ready for breakfast with Alex. If she needed me, she’d call me. There was only so much you could do for someone when they didn’t want your help, and alienating the best friend I had because I didn’t like her boyfriend seemed counterproductive.

I took my time getting dressed and braiding my hair, but I didn’t bother with much makeup. As soon as I was ready, I sat down at my laptop and worked steadily until there was a knock on my door. Alex was right on time.

I opened the door and said “Hey” as I slid on my coat.

“Hey yourself,” he replied, reaching out to fix the hood that had caught on the inside of my jacket. “Ready for breakfast?”