“He can’t do that after making you wait around all those years,” exclaimed Darlene.
“I know.” I nodded aggressively. The sudden movement of my head made me slightly nauseous.
“You know what you should do?” Kathy grabbed my arm, and I looked at her, eagerly anticipating her advice.
“What?”
“Call him. You need to tell him off.”
“You know what, you’re right.” I burst out of my chair and immediately clutched the back of it for support as my vision doubled.
“You okay?” Frankie was at my side then, looking concerned.
“I’m fine,” I slurred.
She raised her eyebrows and crossed her arms. “You’re drunk.”
“So?”
“So, we’re at a party at our parents’ house with a bunch of retirees, and you’re wasted. What are you doing?”
“Is’not my fault.” I pointed to Kathy and Darlene, who were suddenly—and conveniently—deep in conversation. “They were feeding me drinks.”
Frankie rolled her eyes. “Don’t blame Mom’s friends.”
“Well, whatever. The damage s’done. I’m going to pee.”
“When you’re done, just go drink some water and lie down.”
I saluted her and pushed past the rest of the party attendees to get inside. A few people were in the kitchen, but they paid me no mind as I slipped into the guest bedroom.
With my inhibitions thoroughly shattered, I pulled out my phone and dialed Garrett’s number. He picked up almost immediately.
“Mattie?”
My breath caught at the sound of his voice.
“Mattie, are you there?”
The rage I was feeling minutes ago dissolved into a puddle.
“How could you do this to me?” I whimpered.
“I’m sorry.” He let out a slow breath. “I should have been honest with you a lot sooner. But we had been together for so long and I just didn’t want to hurt you.”
“Great job with that. Just s’ya know I was always suspicious,” I lied.
“Are you drunk?” he asked.
“Does it matter?”
“I’d rather speak when you’re sober.”
“I’d rather not learn about your engagement through social media, but here we are.”
There was a long pause on the other end of the line, and tears welled up in my eyes.
“Mattie—”
