Michelle wraps her arm around mine, doing the same with Elizabeth on the other side, and the three of us stroll into the dive bar like a pack on the prowl. I’m thankful for Michelle’s support at my side when my knees buckle at the memories rushing over me. Devin and me, hiding in a dark corner, kissing and touching. Falling in love.

“I need a drink.” I dash to the bar, flagging down the bartender. “Tequila,” I call out as soon as he makes eye contact. He pours me a shot. I down it without a chaser, gesturing for another.

“Wow,” Michelle snickers.

Elizabeth sets a hand on my forearm, keeping me from taking my second shot. “Are you okay?”

I nod a half dozen times and chuckle like a lunatic. “Yep. Just dandy,” I answer, shooting back the tequila. I clap my hands together, hard enough to sting my palms. The sound is loud and draws attention even in the rowdy bar.

Elizabeth is furiously typing on her phone, no doubt urging our Uber driver to risk life and limb speeding to get here sooner. Michelle is oblivious to my suffering. “Let’s dance!” she sings.

“Sure. Why the fuck not?” I answer, my derision coated in sweetness.

The three of us gyrate on the dance floor, Michelle having fun, me faking it and Elizabeth looking between us with a worried mother-hen expression. I grab her hands and twist her back and forth, forcing her to dance. “It’s fine. Really. You didn’t know.”

She bites her lip and glances up at the stage with guilty eyes. The music dies out and the place goes quiet. Everyone turns to the stage. I don’t believe it.

This can’t be happening.

Devin can’t be standing on that stage, staring down at me. I squeeze my eyes closed, willing away the dream. The waking nightmare.

I peel them open, but he’s still standing there, looking as beautiful as ever. He’s tall, dark and tortured. I can’t look away. My masochistic heart soars at the sight, aching to be near him, no matter how much it hurts. At my side, Elizabeth mutters about how sorry she is. She doesn’t matter. Michelle doesn’t matter. All I can see is Devin, standing on stage with his eyes burning through me.

I take in a sharp breath when he steps up to the microphone and his delicious voice bellows, “This song is for Jessica Allen. I love you, JB. And I’m all in.”