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Taylor shakes herself and grimaces. “Dude, just pretend you didn’t hear that. I’m not supposed to tell you anything about those four years, remember?”

Ah, dammit, the medical trial.

There are days when I want to say screw it all and just tell me everything already, because from the looks of it, this trial is failing and I still don’t remember shit.

“To answer your nosy ass questions, I’m in a hospital pen pal program. I’m typing a response to a serious question.”

“Hm. Interesting.”

I arch my brow at her, finding her gaze pensive, reminding me of another Anderson I don’t want to think about.

Waving her off, I murmur, “Give me a minute. I just want to finish this first.”

It’s funny how you asked me what my perfect night out would look like. The past me would probably say going to a party with my friends. Well, I’m here to report the present me doesn’t find that as appealing.

I’m at a nightclub with my friends, and I wish I was back home.

Maybe sitting in front of a fireplace and journaling or reading.

Peace and quiet with someone you love. I think that sounds like a perfect night.

Always,

Alexis

P.S. I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I’m sure if she were here, she wouldn’t want to see you in your armor, hiding yourself from the world. Whoever she was, she was a lucky person to have had you love her. One day, I could only hope to find someone who’ll feel the same way about me.

My chest pinches, and I hit send, then put my phone away.

“Here’s to the future as badass single ladies!” Lana cheers as she walks up to the table with a tray of drinks. She hands out flutes of a mystery cocktail to the girls, her silver sequined mini dress glinting in the dim lighting.

“Hey. I’m here, you know,” Taylor grumbles.

“Hopelessly in love with my brother.” I mock shudder. “Why anyone would love workaholic Charles is a mystery.”

A paper napkin hits me square on my face. “Hey! That’s my man you’re talking about.” Taylor narrows her eyes. The fake anger would be more convincing if her lips weren’t twitching. “Charles is misunderstood. He just wants what’s best for you and holds his cards to his chest, but he really—”

“Stop right there before I puke. To think of Lil’ Tay growing up and—”

“Banging your brother?” Lana grins and wiggles her brows. She might as well be Rex’s twin at this point.

I mime throwing up. “Disgusting.”

“What is this?” Olivia Lin, one of my new friends, courtesy of Taylor and Lana, holds the drink up in the air, examining the contents. “Do I even want to know? It’s got the colors of the rainbow in it.”

I take a tentative sip. Sweet, tangy, and citrusy, ending with a berry aftertaste.

Taylor sips her water and shrugs.

“Not drinking, Tay?” I ask.

Her jaw works, her eyes not meeting mine. “I don’t drink alcohol.Ever.”

I frown at her vehement response, and the girls exchange a look. But it’s dark in here, so maybe I’m just seeing things.

Lana claps. “Pretty awesome, right? It’s called the Jungle Mirage. It’s Mystique’s new signature cocktail after their revamp.” She motions to the spacious club, which is spectacularly designed to resemble an exotic rainforest.

Acrobats and aerial performers swing from ropes attached to the tall ceilings. Dancers show off their moves in bird cages suspended mid-air. There are plenty of trees, green foliage, and beautiful blooms, giving a sweet fragrance to the air.