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1
ZOEY
“Repeat after me, Zoey.I need to have a one-night stand tonight.”
I press my lips into a straight line, shooting my best friend a skeptical look. “I don’t know, Kayla …”
“Girl, maybe there’s something wrong with my ears, but what just came out of your mouth didn’t sound likeI need to have a one-night stand tonight.” She folds her arms over her chest, giving me a stern look like she’s a teacher scolding me for not following directions. “Let’s try that one more time.”
“I’m not sure if …” I begin, but Kayla cuts me off by lifting up the palm of her hand.
“Trust me, Zoey,” Kayla says. “This is the prescription to get over heartache. Look, I’m a doctor. You have to follow my advice.”
I glance down at her costume and furrow my brow doubtfully.
“You’re a sexy nurse, Kayla, not a doctor.” The skin-tight white-and-red themed dress she wears along with the red-cross nurses cap sitting atop her blonde hair leave no doubt about what she’s going for with her costume.
She pouts. “Just because I’m sexy, doesn’t mean I’m not still a medical professional. And I specialize in treating heartbreak. I can tell from your symptoms that you need—”
I cut her off. “I know, I know. I need to hook up with some random guy to get over my stupid, worthless, cheating ex.”
A big smile lights up her face. “Exactly! I’d struggle to put in any better, myself. Though I might add a couple nastier adjectives to your description ofWill.” She practically snarls the name of my ex. “I consider it a privilege that I never met him.”
I met Will freshman year down at my current college, in Georgia. Being together for those first two years, my social life ended up pretty much entirely entwined with him, especially since his sister, Lisa, became one of my best friends.
At least, I thought she was a friend. After I found her brother in bed with another girl, it didn’t take her long to show me how mistaken I was.
When I wouldn’t forgive Will, Lisa turned her back on me, and all the rest of our mutual friends did the same. I don’t know how I managed to waste so much of my young life trying to fit in with fake people who kicked me when I was down.
I’m lucky I still have one real friend left. Kayla and I grew up together here in Ridley, PA before my parents divorced when we were in ninth grade; my mom took me with her when we moved to Georgia.
I’m up visiting my dad for a couple days; both to put some distance between me and the clusterfuck of my life on campus back in Georgia, and because I’m now strongly considering transferring to Ridley University, where my dad coaches the hockey team, next semester.
I feel like a new start might be just what I need.
“It kills me to see your confidence shaken like this,” Kayla says. “And for someone totally not worth it! Look around you, Zoey, there are so many cute guys in this place, and most of them would jump for joy at the possibility of taking you home. There’s nothing like a hot rumble in the sack with a guywayhotter than your ex to make you realize that losingWillis no loss at all.”
Maybe she’s right. Ever since Will cheated on me, I’ve been depressed. My confidence has been shaken. I know it shouldn’t be; I know that what he did was his fault and reflects in no way on myself—but sometimes our emotions don’t listen to reason.
Down in Georgia I’ve just stayed in my room most nights, binge-watching shows or reading on my Kindle. It’s grown into a numb, comfortable isolation. But I know it’s not healthy for me.
I wouldn’t have even gone out tonight, either, if Kayla hadn’t practically dragged me to the local Target to pick out costumes.
Kayla looks jaw-dropping in her sexy nurse outfit. I, on the other hand, didn’t have the energy to put in that much effort. I just picked up a black bunny mask that covers my face above the nose and paired it with a tight black tank top and a short skirt. The quintessential low-effort Halloween costume if there ever was one.
I let my gaze sweep across the room. We’re in a crowded bar packed full of Ridley students and other local young people. They’re all dressed up in consumes, drinking, hanging out with their friends—living in the moment.
And maybe that’s what I should be doing, too.
I’ve spent too long moping. Way too long mourning the loss of relationships that I know weren’t even good for me in the first place.
Kayla’s right.
Just as she’s about to open her mouth to give me more encouragement, I beat her to the punch.
“I need to have a one-night stand tonight,” I proudly declare.
She claps her hands together and hops up and down, squealing in delight. “That’s my girl! Now we just have to find a worthy specimen.”
