Page 14 of Use Me

My phone started to ring, and Jaime’s name flashed on the screen. I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath before answering. I didn’t feel like explaining the last twenty-four hours, but she was my best friend, and I knew it was only a matter of time.

“Hello?”

“What do you mean Corey broke up with you?”

I groaned and told her what had happened except the part where he stated he was cheating the entire time.

“I’m sorry about you and Corey, but I kinda saw this coming.”

“How?”

“Because he’s a total ass and only cares about himself.”

“You barely know him,” I corrected.

“That’s exactly my point. He didn’t want to come over for my Christmas party, so you came alone. And he conveniently had to work when we had the barbecue in July.”

“Because he did have to work,” I stressed.

“Heconvenientlyhad to work, Ash.”

I sighed. “You’re right. He was sleeping with other women while he was with me.”

“I’m going to kill him.”

“It’s fine.”

“Is it?”

I was silent for a moment while I looked out at the sun shining. “Nothing wine can’t fix.”And Rhys if I give him a call.

“I’m sorry. I love you, but I’m glad you two broke up. There’s someone better for you. Speaking of, tell me about this picture with Rhys Cole you posted last night.”

I smiled at the memory. “I went to Judy’s for a drink, and he was sitting next to me at the bar.”

“You two looked very cozy.”

“We were just drinking buddies for the night.” My grin widened thinking about Rhys and how he came to my rescue.

“Is he just as hot in person?”

“Jaime!” I chastised, still smiling.

“What? I just want to know.”

I paused for a moment, still grinning like a fool. “Hotter.”

“If you weren’t heartbroken over Corey, I’d give you a hard time about not getting with Rhys.”

“It wasn’t like that.” I didn’t want to tell her about the kisses because Iwasheartbroken about Corey. It was nice to get to know Rhys, but now talking about Corey and what had happened, and with no alcohol running through my veins, my heart was hurting again. Even if he was a cheating asshole, my heart just needed a break and time to heal.

“Right. Sorry. So, what can I do?”

I shrugged even though she couldn’t see me. “Nothing. I mean, I just need time.”

I knew it was going to be hard. The last several months my free time was spent with Corey. And now there was no Corey. My heart felt as though it was cracking in my chest. Was Rhys right? Would I meet a guy and be happy—finally? I wasn’t getting any younger.

“You want to go to dinner tonight?” That way I could get a drink or two. I’d have to stop at a liquor store after work tomorrow.