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Love,
Jenny
Then I threw down my phone and got back to crying.
Later,my phone pinged with another text from my best friend, Audrey. She’d been texting and calling nonstop for the past three days. I ignored it. But the phone beeped again, thenagain, until I finally gave up and read her messages.
Jenny, please text me back.
I’m worried about you!
If I don’t hear from you by the end of the day, I’m calling the police.
I rubbed my temples. Audrey was my best friend, butshe was engaged toCole’sbest friend, James Preston. So, I knew it would get back to Cole as soon as I talked to her.
Sighing, I tapped out a response.
I’m alive. Don’t go calling the police!
Where are you? Are you okay???
I’m fine. I’m safe.
I broke up with Cole.
Taking a break from life.
My phone rang, making me jump out of my skin. I had zero desire to talk, but Audrey would freak out if I didn’t answer.
“What?” I croaked.
“Why haven’t you called or texted me back?” Audrey asked. “I’ve been worried sick!”
“Because I don’t want to talk about it,” I said.
“Cole’s been so upset,” she said. “Just like the rest of us. Even Elena was freaking out!”
“Sorry.” I sighed.
“Where are you?” Audrey asked, her voice laced with worry. “Are you okay?”
“Home.” I grabbed one of the many crumpled-up tissues from the pile next to me and blew my nose. Hearing Audrey’s voice was getting me all worked up. “I have to go, okay? It’s been a rough couple of days.”
“Don’t hang up!” Audrey said quickly. “FaceTime me, so I know you’re telling me the truth. I need to see that you’re safe.”
“Oh my God,” I groaned but complied. Working at the agency, Audrey and I had learned to always look out for each other. We FaceTimed to confirm that the other was okay, not being held hostage by some crazy-ass John. I turned the video on and blew my nose again. My little reflection peered back at me.My eyes were puffy, and my hair was a rat’s nest. “Jeez, I look like crap.”
Audrey’s pretty face appeared on my phone. She scowled at me. “You’ve been crying.”
“Nah.” But I blew my nose again.
“You’re not with one of your awful clients, right?” Audrey peered into the screen. “I was worried someone kidnapped you.”
“I’m by myself, I swear.” I held up the phone to show her my crappy Roxbury studio apartment. “Another day in paradise.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Why’d you leave Cole’s place? What happened?”
I shrugged. “I just got to thinking. I’m not really a relationship kind of girl.”