Page 5

"Earth to Geri," Anna waved her hand in front of my face. "Where'd you go just now?"

I blinked, realizing I'd been staring into space. "Nowhere. Just thinking about how much my feet are going to hurt by midnight."

"That's what the champagne is for," Haley said, handing me the bottle. "Liquid painkillers."

I topped off my glass, then passed the bottle to Anna. "Tell me more about this Matt person. What does he look like? What's he into besides serving his country or whatever?"

Haley and Anna exchanged a glance that I couldn't quite interpret.

"What?" I demanded. "What was that look?"

"Nothing," Anna said too quickly. "He's... nice-looking."

"Nice-looking," I repeated flatly. "That's the best you can do? Is he hideous? Is that why you're being weird?"

"He's not hideous," Haley assured me. "He's actually really hot, in a... rugged sort of way."

"Rugged," I echoed. "So he's a lumberjack? Or just hasn't discovered personal grooming?"

Anna laughed. "No, he's clean-cut. Especially now with the military thing. He's just... masculine. Strong jaw, broad shoulders. You know."

I didn't know, but I nodded anyway. "And personality-wise? Please tell me he can hold a conversation about something other than guns and war."

"He's smart," Haley said. "Studied engineering before joining up. And he's funny—not in a loud, centre-of-attention way, but he's got this dry wit that sneaks up on you."

That didn't sound terrible, actually. I took another sip of champagne, feeling it warm my chest on the way down. "And why exactly is he single? What's the catch?"

Another one of those looks between my friends.

"Seriously, what?" I demanded.

"He got out of a long-term relationship about six months ago," Anna admitted. "His ex cheated on him with his best friend."

I nearly choked on my champagne. "Oh, for fuck's sake. You're setting me up with the male version of me? Two bitter, recently-cheated-on people? That's your brilliant plan?"

"We prefer to think of it as two people who might understand each other's trust issues," Haley said primly. "Besides, it's been six months for him. He's had more time to process than you have."

"Great, so he can give me tips on how to get over being betrayed," I muttered. "Can't wait."

"Just give him a chance," Anna pleaded. "One conversation. If you hate him, I'll personally create a diversion so you can escape."

"What kind of diversion?" I asked, momentarily distracted.

"I'll fake an asthma attack," she offered. "Or spill a drink on Jake's mom. Something dramatic."

That made me laugh despite myself. "Fine. One conversation. But I'm holding you to that asthma attack."

The next hour passed in a blur of outfit changes (Anna), makeup adjustments (me), and increasingly ridiculous toasts (Haley). By the time our Uber arrived, we were all pleasantly buzzed and laughing at nothing in particular.

I checked my reflection one last time before we headed out. The girl staring back at me looked confident, sexy even. No one would guess that beneath the perfect makeup and figure-hugging dress was someone still piecing herself back together.

"To new beginnings," Haley declared as we clinked glasses one final time before heading out.

"To rich friends with empty mansions," Anna countered.

I raised my glass, the champagne bubbles tickling my nose. "To low expectations and high alcohol content."

They both groaned, but I meant it. Two months ago, I'd walked away from what I thought was a good relationship with nothing but my phone, my keys, and my shattered trust. Tonight, I was walking into a new year with no expectations beyond having a good time with my friends.