Page 131 of For the Love of Art

“You deserve better,” Lianne said, putting her phone back in her purse.

“Baby–”

“Leave me alone.” Dori stomped off into the crowd.

Andrew looked at Lianne angrily. “Great. You just fucked up my relationship.”

“Actually,” I stepped in front of Lianne, “you did that all by yourself.”

Andrew scowled and then walked in the opposite direction of Dori.

I turned to Lianne. “Were the dramatics necessary?”

“Yes.”

“What did I miss?” Frankie appeared at our side breathless.

“Just Lianne telling off Andrew.” I examined Frankie closer. “Why are your lips all swollen?”

Frankie shrugged bashfully. “Might’ve just made out with a really hot guy.”

“Go Frankie!” Lianne cheered.

“Yes! Anyone but Derek!” I agreed.

“Got his number!” Frankie did a shimmy.

Lianne and I raised the roof for him, and then the three of us laughed.

“It’s good to see you smile,” Lianne said as she linked an arm through mine.

“Thanks.”

I didn’t want to bring down the mood by saying my happiness came in small waves. Overall, I felt defeated.

I scanned the room again, taking in the last opening with my personal touches. As I did, I saw him– and her.

Her slender hand touched Nathan’s shoulder as they laughed with a clean-cut dark haired man. Nausea rolled in my stomach.

“Guys, I’m just going to check on something in the back.”

Lianne and Frankie nodded, not seeming to notice my shift in mood.

I quickly made my way into the back room, where I yelped when I saw Dori sitting on the floor, a bottle of champagne in hand.

I pressed my hand to my chest. “You scared me.”

Dori looked from me to the bottle she was nursing. “Are you going to fire me for this?”

I blew out a breath before sitting next to her. I held my hand out for the bottle, and she handed it to me. I took a long sip and then handed it back to her.

“I have a feeling I won’t be your boss much longer,” I admitted.

Dori looked confused. “Why not?”

I hugged my knees to my chest. “Let’s just say you’re not the only broken heart here tonight.”

“I’m sorry.”