“You’re going to have to be more specific. What stops now?”

“This wallowing.” She flings her arms out as she walks into the living room and rips open the curtains. I shield my eyes, hissing in disgust.

“I’m not wallowing,” I mutter, shuffling into the room behind her, my socks gliding over the wood floor like I’m ice skating. “I’m processing. It’s different. Not even remotely close to the same thing.”

“You’re processing a douchebag who hurt you.”

I sigh, collapsing onto the cushions. That walk from the door and back was the most movement I’ve done since…

The Night We Shall Not Name.

The night my heart was pulled out of my chest, stepped on, scuffed up, and left for dead, mutilated and barely beating.

“I’m fine,” I say evenly.

Nicole takes the seat next to me and cocks her head to the side, not believing an ounce of what I’m saying.

“You’re lying. For starters, your hair looks like a rat’s nest.”

My hand flies to the knotted blonde and I wince as I try to run my fingers through it. She has a point. A shower wouldn’t be the worst idea.

“Your eyes are bloodshot. You’re paler than usual. You’ve never acted like this after a fight or breakup, Em. Why this one?”

“Because I might be in love with him,” I shout, my body thumping with anger, hurt, and embarrassment from my admission.

Love.

Possibly.

Potentially.

Maybe?

Despite what Henry’s done. Despite the pain he’s caused and the fissure he’s chiseled. How does that make any sense?

“I see.” Nicole tucks her legs under her. “Well, in that case, you’re holding yourself together a lot better than you could be.”

I offer her a meek smile. “Thanks.” I lean back against the cushions, wishing they would devour me and offer me solace elsewhere. “I needed a few days away from the space where we coexist, you know?”

I’ve avoided the office, feigning sickness and working from home instead, doing anything in my power to keep my distance. Unfortunately, a couple days away didn’t bring as much clarity as I expected.

“Henry isn’t a grand gesture, knight in shining armor kind of guy,” I continue, stating the facts he relayed to me himself. “He’s casual and fun and doesn’t want to deal with the hard parts of life or relationships. And, as much as the hard parts suck, I want… I need… I deserve someone who will go through it all with me. And not flirt with another woman because she’s there.”

Nicole sighs. “Sweetie, you deserve a goddamn king. Someone who would run into battle for you without thinking twice and ask questions after.”