I rub my temples. I’m not a catty girl, and the last thing I want to do is engage in some childish fight when I’ve had such a nice time this evening. And I absolutely don’t want to make a scene and ruin the party.

“I’m sorry you feel that way. I’m sure it must be hard to see the guy you like with someone else, but he pursued me because he wanted to, not because he was forced to. We’re happy, and I hope one day you find someone who makes you happy, too.”

I sidestep away from her, approaching the backdoor and safe haven away from the woman whose face I want to throw a glass of red wine in.

“He’ll get bored of you soon. He always does. I’ve heard the rumors about how fast he goes through women. A new one each night. Sometimes two or three at the same time. You’re nothing special, so I wouldn’t get too attached. Guys like him think they want something different when they find something shiny and new, but deep down they never change.”

She slinks away and I deflate, hating how much her parting shot punches my gut.

They never change.

“Hey,” Henry says, appearing at my side. His smile falls when he sees my face. “What’s wrong?”

“Betsy cornered me. She’s not a pleasant human.”

“Dammit,” he mumbles, pulling me into a hug. “What did she say?”

“It was supposed to be her and not me. Asked if I sabotaged you. Told me you’ll get bored of me soon.”

“That’s bullshit. I could never get bored of you.”

“Can we just forget it happened? Please?”

“I’m sorry I wasn’t here when she came up. I should have diverted her away.”

“It’s okay. I’m fine.”

“Come on, let’s go upstairs. I can tell you’re tapped out.” Releasing me from the hug, he laces our hands together.

“Am I so easy to read?”

He shrugs, opening the door. We ascend the stairs to his room. “If you know what to look for you are. Here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to get a bath going for you, then we’ll reconvene after you’ve had some time to decompress, okay? That was a lot of talking, and your well is dry. Time to recharge.”

My eyes fill with tears and I quickly wipe them away. “Thank you.”

“Give me five minutes and the bathroom will be all yours.”

He disappears, and I hear the faucet begin to run, rushing water filling the bathtub. I unclasp my necklace and pull off my heels, feet thankful at the chance to be free. Shaking my hair out, I throw it up in a ponytail and yawn, discarding his suit jacket on the dresser.