“And you want to go to a party after working two back-to-back shifts?” I ask incredulously. “Man, Max can make you do anything.”
Celeste rolls her eyes. “He’s notmakingme go; he just really wants me to. Plus, I already have a costume, so I figured it wouldn’t be that big of a deal.”
“Sure, sure,” I tease. “But I don’t know if I’ll be up for it. It depends on how the rest of the week goes.”
Celeste nods. “And whether Oliver wants to come, right?”
I narrow my eyes at her. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Nothing,” Celeste replies, waving her hand. “I mean, I know Nikki won’t be available. She always works Friday nights. But if Oliver says he wants to go, that might interest you.”
“You make it seem like you and Max wouldn’t be reason enough for me to go.”
Celeste snorts. “Honey. We know we’re not. It’s fine.”
I open my mouth to argue, but she’s right. Max and Celeste are a set, and they’re fine doing things without me all the time. I’ve always been the third wheel in our friendship. It’s not their fault, and I don’t resent them for it. I’ve always been a bit of a loner in friendships. But now, with Oliver, I don’t have to feel that way anymore. I don’t have to be the loner or the third wheel. Oliver and I can be the set that does stuff together.
“So, do you have any interest at all?” Celeste asks. “It’s okay if you don’t, I just want to make sure.”
“I don’t know yet,” I say with a sigh. “It’s been a long week.”
“Jude, it’s Tuesday.”
I laugh. “Exactly.”
“Okay, well, talk to Oliver and let me know. If I don’t see you before my shift on Thursday, can you shoot Max and me a text?”
It occurs to me that if Nikki and I end things on Thursday, Celeste won’t be here, and I’ll be alone. But maybe it’s better that way. Isolation is what I do best. “Sure, no problem,” I say.
“Cool. Love you, Jude.”
“Love you, too, Cel.”
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Nikki’s knock on the door sends a jolt of adrenaline through me. I’ve dreaded this moment for days, and now that it’s finally here, I’m terrified. I’ve never been the one to end a relationship. What if I chicken out? What if Nikki gets angry? What if she cries? What if she shrugs it off as if none of this meant anything to her anyway?
I take a deep, steadying breath, then open the door.
Nikki is as stunning as ever. Her silky maroon blouse is already unbuttoned past her chest, revealing a lace bra beneath. Her pale blue eyes are hungry, pupils dilated, lips moist and parted. Her distinctive jasmine perfume hits my nose, triggering memories of our most sensual encounters, and my knees nearly give out. If I don’t say something right now, her mouth will be on mine, and I’ll be a goner.
“Hey, you,” she purrs.
My mouth is a desert. “Hey,” I croak.
Nikki steps closer, inches from my face. “Missed you,” she rasps, her hand reaching out to cup my cheek.
I shiver at her touch, rapidly losing my nerve. I could wait to break up until after we have some fun, right? I’m probably not going to have sex with anyone for a while—might as well enjoy one final feast before the famine. Plus, that’s why Nikki’s here,isn’t it? It’ll certainly help soften the blow. I could make it the best sex she’s ever had—really drive her crazy one last time.
“What’s going on in that pretty little head of yours?” Nikki asks with a coy smile. The door shuts behind us, and she has me up against the wall again. “How about I help you turn it off for a bit?”
“Please,” I whimper, completely at her mercy.God, yes.It feels so good to let go. To let someone else take the reins for a bit. To let another person do all the work while I experience all the pleasure. I deserve to feel good, don’t I?
One last time?
“That’s my good girl,” Nikki whispers.
Her words hit me like a pail of cold water in the face. My eyes fly open, and she instantly realizes her mistake.
