I even called my boss today and quit my job. I know it’s a bit irresponsible, and I have important events that I’ve committed to, but my capable assistant can handle them.
My friend said I could sleep on her couch for as long as I need to, but I don’t want to impose. I want to find an apartment and a job before I even think about trying to contact Riley.
I stroll by a cute baby boutique and decide to look for a gift for my pregnant friend’s upcoming baby shower. The shop is adorable and full of teeny pink and blue outfits, colorful cribs, and strollers that cost as much as a car.
I'm holding up a pink velour onesie with an appliquéd giraffe and trying to decide between it and a frilly lace dress when I hear, “Ariela, is that you?”
I turn around and am face to face with Keatyn.
I stand still, my lips frozen together, and nod.
“Ohmigawd, it's been forever!” She wraps me in a tight hug. “What are you doing here?”
“I, um, I’m visiting a friend, needed a shower gift.”
“Were you going to call me?”
“I don't have your number.”
“It's the same one I've had since high school.”
Keatyn looks at the clothes in my hands. “I like the giraffe,” she says. “Do you have kids?”
“Me, um, no.”
“Married? Single?”
“Uh, married. But getting a divorce.”
I know a divorce is what I want, but this is the first time I’ve said it out loud. It feels really good to finally say it.
“Oh, I'm sorry. How long have you been married?”
“It's okay. We've been married for six years. Together for about ten. My dad loves him.”
“But you don’t?”
Tears start to prickle my eyes. “Uh . . .”
“Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry.”
“You wouldn't happen to know a good attorney, would you?”
“Of course. Dallas.”
“Dallas? Really? It’s hard to believe the weed smoking, joke cracking boy I knew in high school would end up a lawyer.”
“Yep, one of the best. He's Captive Films’ chief legal counsel. You had to assume he’d go to law school with his dad being a senator and all. Never could get him into politics, though.”
“Is he married?”
“Very. He and RiAnne are still together. And she's pregnant with their fifth! That's who I'm shopping for today. Hey, do you have any plans for tonight? We’re all having dinner at my house in Malibu. I'd love for you to come.”
A dinner with Keatyn, Aiden, Dallas, and RiAnne? That would be okay. Maybe I could ask them about Riley and find out if he's seeing anyone. Or if he’d ever want to see me again.
“Dinner would be great, if I’m not intruding.”
“Don't be silly. We miss you.”
“Thank you. I miss you all too.” I don't say Riley's name but it's probably obvious that I miss him the most.
“So, I have to get going, but do you remember where the house is?”
“Yeah, I do.”
“Awesome. I'll leave your name at the gate and see you around seven.”
“Okay,” I reply shakily. While I’m excited, I’m also scared to death. I mean, it wasn’t just Riley’s life I walked out of. It was all my friends. What if they hate me for it?
Keatyn takes her purchases to the counter where the ladies ooh and ahhh over her.
I put the lace dress back on the rack, deciding the baby needs something soft and comfortable. Actually, I think that’s what I’m craving: a life that’s comfortable, a life with friends, a life with someone who loves just me.
When I set the onesie on the counter, the ladies ask me how I know the Keatyn Douglas.
“We went to boarding school together. I haven’t seen her in years, though.” We complete our transaction. “Thanks ladies.”
As I'm walking out the door, Collin calls me.
I’ve ignored all his calls so far, but decide to take this one.
The note I left on the kitchen counter led him to believe I came here last minute to help a friend in crisis. What I didn't tell him is that I'm the one in crisis.
“How're things going there?” he asks.
“Getting better,” I reply, thinking how lucky it is that I ran into Keatyn. And how lucky I am that she doesn’t appear to hate me for what I did.
“You'll be back in time for this weekend, right? Old man Foster needs to see that I'm a stable married man if he's going to trust me with his millions.”
“I won't be back, Collin. You'll have to give him my regrets.”
“Dammit, Ariela. I need you there. This is way more important than some bad breakup.”
“Honestly, Collin, I’ve decided not to come back. I want a divorce.”
“You what? What the fuck? Did you tell your parents?”
“No, I'm telling you.”
“But we’re a team.”
“We stopped being a team when you started messing around. I deserve better.”
“I’ve given you everything you could ever want.”
“I don’t want a husband who cheats on me.”
“I’m sorry. It was a one-time thing, I swear. I love you. Please come back.”
“It wasn’t a one-time thing. I won't be back this weekend, Collin. I'll let my parents know.”