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Fiona was glowing, her skin was radiant, and her bright, white sleamed as she chatted casually with the man beside her She was dressed in a pretty black dress, her little belly protruding in a barely there round bump, and soft waves of perfectly styled hair flowed over her shoulders A pair of leopard-print ballet flats coh heels she nor moreainst my spine, like he knew I’d need the physical support

I sed a mouthful of bitter saliva "Another drink Get naled the poor waiter, as earning every last bit of that tip, and moments later I had a fresh Jack and Coke in ainst her belly as she circulated the room and chatted with various industry people Her eyes had wandered to Ben and me once, and he’d placed his ar lad I didn’t have to speak to her but even seeing herBen’s arm just to keep vertical He tipped aze locked onhow many drinks I’d had "You ready for me to take you hoo to the bathroo her arallery, thankfully without spotting Fiona on the way

Ellie and I each slipped inside a stall and went about our business But when I e her makeup

Shit

I took a deep breath and cal my hands Maybe all that alcohol wasn’t the best idea My sto violently and I felt woozy and disoriented under the harsh fluorescent lighting I watched in silence as Fiona reapplied berry-red lipstick to her perfect pout

I rinsed the suds from my hands and found my reflection in the ether appearance I was pale anddrunk looking

Just great

"It’s a nice event, isn’t it?" I atte the stony silence between us

She shrugged, recapping her tube of lipstick and dropping it inside her tiny purse "I was surprised to see you here, actually Ben hadn’t said anything about you two being back together"

Her words stung, I couldn’t lie Ben should have told her to go to hell and that I was the love of his life Why hadn’t he? While I was still rendered speechless, Fiona turned to face me God, where the hell was Ellie?

"Enjoy hily caressed her belly "We’re going to be a family soon We’ll have a forever connection What will you have? Your ?"

I sed the dry lu back the tears and curse words I wanted to let rip I opened ive voice to the words swirling in et that sweetie I’d be careful if I were you," she warned, bitter venoed fro tall beside me "What Emmy and Ben have is none of your damn business, you old witch Just worry about yourself" Ellie’s tone was careful, measured, and I was thankful for her clear, level head But her voice held a hint of warning, too, and I knew she could go from civilized to bitch in two seconds flat

Fiona looked froh "Enjoy yourselves while it lasts, girls" She placed the little purse strap over her wrist and strolled frolance

I learned that being highly intoxicated and emotionally drained frouys again, Ben’s ed down in a frown and he looped an aret you houidethat Fiona was so his arms encircle me

The hiccups hit me on the limo ride back Ben watched me with a worried expression and Ellie handed me a bottle of water from the limo minibar while Braydon sat slumped in the seat next to Ben

"Here, sweetie, drink this" She uncapped the bottle and urged , butfro direction in the limo I took a small sip and returned the bottle I let ainst the leather headrest

The three of them continued a low, murmured conversation besidesaid since I was pretty sure they were discussingbitch," Ellie snapped

"She means well, Ellie, trust ht SheE to win you back"

Braydon cleared his throat loudly but Ben reue, to shout and curse and swear that it was never going to happen But his silence per my stomach turn in little so with you? Having to deal with this shit?" Ellie whispered coarsely