Social suicide, right on the spot!


    This was the second time. First, I walked in on Hayden fresh out of the shower, and now I’d just


    fantasized about him–out loud–right in front of him.


    I couldn’t help but wonder if he did this on purpose. I’d been knocking forever, so why open the door


    now?


    The only way to save face? Act drunk, then pretend to ck out. That way, I wouldn’t be the one


    embarrassed–everyone else would be.


    “Lena, look! He is home, huh?” I said, trying to sound casual, pointing right at Hayden like I hadn’t


    just verbally undressed him.


    Lena’s lips twitched. She was clearly suffering from secondhand embarrassment. “She’s had a little


    too much to drink,” she said.


    “I’m not drunk,” I chimed in, fullymitting to the act


    After all, a drunk person never admits they’re drunk.


    Lena pinched my waist lightly. “Oh, right, of course. You only had one ss of wine. No way you’re


    drunk, huh?”


    I waspletely at a loss for words.


    Is this what betrayal feels like? My ride–or–die, my trusted BFF, throwing me under the bus without


    hesitation. Right in front of my face!


    I couldn’t even look at Hayden, but he kept his gaze fixed on me. “So, what did you need?” he


    asked.


    “N–Nothing. I don’t need anything.” I stammered, already turning around and pushing Lena toward


    my door,


    “I need to talk to you,” Hayden’s voice called out from behind me.


    I wanted to bash my head against Lena’s back and vanish. “I’m dizzy. Whatever it is, let’s talk


    tomorrow,” I mumbled, practically diving into my apartment before he could respond.


    As soon as the door mmed shut, Lena burst intoughter. “Look at you, chickening out.”


    I shot her the fiercest re–full–on, red–faced ring while she just keptughing, totally


    unbothered. “If you’ve got feelings for him, you’ve gotta have the guts to go for it. Just break the ice


    already. Once those doors open and you two end up in bed, Mr. Johnston or any other CEO won’t


    stand a chance.”


    I shoved her, mortified. “Get out! We’re done! I’m never speaking to you again.”


    “If you and Hayden ever hit the sheets, don’t forget to send me a thank–you gift.”


    Lena was serious about trying to set me up with Hayden.


    She left, but my face still felt like it was on fire. I sat there, half–listening for any sound from


    Hayden’s ce, praying he wouldn’t knock on my door.


    The truth was, I had actuallye home to talk to him about the thugs who hadered him


    earlier today and what he’d found out about his dad’s ident. But now?


    ? 2024 N?v/el/Dram/a.Org.


    How could face him after what I just said?


    I


    I eventually passed out on the couch, stuck between the embarrassment, anxiety, and a mess of


    dreams.


    When I woke up, it was stupid early–like five in the morning–and I heard a door open across the


    hall.


    Hayden was up, but I didn’t know if he was leaving or just going for a run.


    Curious, I peeked out the window and saw him biking away, a backpack slung over his shoulder.


    Did he seriously bike everywhere? How had I never noticed that before?


    At least with him gone, I could finally breathe. No risk of awkward run–ins and relivingst night’s


    disaster.


    At OceanixCorp, I’d just finished some work and was about to dive into figuring out who our elusive


    boss was when Lena called.


    Still annoyed about how she sold me outst night, I answered through gritted teeth. “Dr. Lane–”


    Before I could get another word in, Lena cut me off. “Rea, Tanya’s here. For an abortion. What the


    hell is going on?”


    I tensed, all the morning fog clearing in an instant. My mind raced back to our conversation at the


    café. Did she go through with it?” I asked.