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We both laughed and talked about weird reactions people had given us to our passions until Joy came back and asked Ezra if she wanted another drink.

“I’m good, thanks,” she said, reaching out to take Joy’s hand and press a kiss to her palm. Joy blushed and grinned down at Ezra.

“Do you need anything, Mia?” Joy asked me.

“Just some water would be great, if it’s not a big deal,” I said.

“Of course, be right back.” Joy took drink orders from a few other people and went off to get them.

“I tell her she doesn’t have to do that, but I’m fighting a losing battle. It’s easier to just let her,” Ezra said, watching Joy with love in her eyes. She also had the word inked across her knuckles, which was totally badass.

Joy came back with a tray of drinks and I took my water and thanked her.

Layne was also coming around with more food, and Ryan was still at the grill, making fruit kebabs that smelled so good, I could barely stop myself from drooling.

I grabbed a few and lay back in my chair.

“I’m guessing this is much better than the barn party from last night,” Lark said.

“Ten thousand times better,” I said. Last night had been awful.

“Have you heard anything from her?” she asked in a low voice.

“No,” I said before biting a piece of grilled pineapple that burst in my mouth. Fuck, that was good.Everly had drizzled each kebab with lime juice and hot honey that got all over my fingers.

“Are you going to say anything? Do you think she’ll be at CG tomorrow?” Lark asked.

“I have no idea,” I said. “I’m sure she’s too busy with Shane to be thinking about me.”

Lark had a look on her face like she wanted to comment.

“Go ahead. Say ‘I told you so.’”

She leaned over and stole another bite of pineapple from my plate.

“Good friends never say ‘I told you so,’ and I really didn’t know how this was going to shake out. I’m sorry that you’re sad.”

“Thank you,” I said. “I’ll get over it.”

* * *

I left the party a while later with a full belly, but still with that hollow feeling I’d had since last night after the party.

I could message Tenley. I could. It would be easy. I could check in and see how she was doing. But then she might tell me, and I didn’t want to know. I didn’t want to hear about how wonderful Shane was. I was never going to think he was wonderful.

When I got home after buying a few groceries, I took a shower and put on my most comfortable pajamas before snuggling into bed with one of my favorite series that was basically The Little Mermaid, but sapphic. The princess in this case was a sexy, ripped butch that was always trying to find her moral compass. Talk about swoonworthy.

I’d just gotten through the first chapter when I heard a knock at my door. It was late, but I assumed it was probably just Lark coming over for a gossip session or maybe because she needed something.

I got up and shuffled to the door. I didn’t have a peephole, but I didn’t really need one. It wasn’t like anyone other than Lark or Sydney ever knocked on it.

I didn’t find Sydney or Lark on the other side of the door when I opened it.

No, it was Tenley, and she was a mess.

“Can I come in?” she said through sobs.

“Yeah, of course,” I said, stunned for a second. This was completely unexpected.