“It’s just not a fit,” Claire replied calmly, with a firm but apologetic tone. “It would be best for both of us to simply move on.”

Gabrielle smiled to herself. She was pretty adept at these kinds of breakup calls. But Claire was an expert. She always managed to let the guy down easy, making him think that it was her insecurities and not the greener grass of the next guy that was the issue.

But this time, it sounded like the process was a bit bumpier. Claire’s soon-to-be-ex was slightly audible, even multiple rooms away. After what sounded like a tirade during which her housemate remained silent, Claire finally responded in a quiet but forceful voice.

“I’m sorry you feel that way,” she said. “But this can’t come as a surprise. You knew it was a possibility from the very first time we were together. I’ve always been up front with you. This is my decision. The sooner you accept it, the easier it will be for you. Goodbye.”

When she was certain the call was done, Gabrielle poked her head into Claire’s room.

“Everything okay?” she asked. “That sounded a little rough.”

“It comes with the territory,” Claire replied, sounding tired. “You know that as well as I do, Gabby. Some people tend to get a little…attached.”

“That sounded like it was teetering on the line between attachment and stalkerish. Do you want to talk about it?”

“Not really,” Claire admitted. “I’ve got a guy picking me up at seven. That only gives me two hours to get ready. I’d rather focus on that.”

“You and me both,” Gabrielle said. “I shouldn’t set up two dates for one day. I’m wiped out from the beach. And now I’ve got to go clubbing until two a.m. My calves are going to be screaming tomorrow.”

“Tough lives we lead,” Claire said with a lopsided grin.

Gabby smiled back. She liked her friend most when she was like this: playful and self-deprecating. It made it hard to get jealous even if Claire was gorgeous—a petite, blonde-haired, busty, sun-kissed Southern California goddess. Just a shade over five feet tall and hovering around 100 pounds, she was dynamite in a tiny package. But it was when she let down her guard that her charm really shined through. Only a few guys ever got to see that side of her.

“Listen,” Gabrielle said. “How about we take a break tomorrow—just you, me, some mimosas, and something binge-worthy?”

“That sounds awesome,” Claire said. “I could really use some downtime. Everything feels so heightened these days. I wish people would chill, you know?”

“I do. So tomorrow is officially Gabby and Claire’s Day of Chill. Deal?”

“Deal,” Claire agreed. “At least until six. I have a dinner.”

Gabby gave her an incredulous look but she couldn’t keep a straight face and they both burst out laughing.

CHAPTER ONE

For about the fourth time in the last hour, the same thought passed through Jessie Hunt’s head.

I hate this place.