Chapter 1

• Melissa
• My head felt like it was going to explode and my heart, ripped out.
• Nothing prepared me for this; not even the shots of vodka I had last night. I swallowed hard and looked again; this time squinting my eyes to make sure I was seeing right.
• “Stop,” I quickly told the driver. My eyes were fixed on the black Toyota Corolla that not only looked like my boyfriend’s car but also had his plates.
• I slammed the car door, finding some notes in my bag. The driver muttered a thank you just before zooming off.
• I wanted to say a little prayer hoping it was not—but I paused and just looked around.
• I ran across the pavement, dodging tourists and oncoming cars. I double-checked the road and dashed to the entrance of the building. I tucked my hair strands behind my ear and just as I stood there wondering what Ian could be doing here, I saw the figures.
• Ian’s hands found their way to grab Helena's waist and they strolled to the entrance of the motel with nothing but smiles. I raised my eyebrow because it wasn’t possible.
• I followed, making sure to keep my distance so I could observe. My heart skipped at the thought of my best friend having an affair with my boyfriend and my breathing pace increased.
• I had to do this. Turning back wasn’t an option.
• Tears saturated in my eyes but I blinked them back and found my way to the reception. The blonde lady took a moment from her call and dropped the telephone before turning to me.
• “Good day ma’am, welcome to—”
• “Hey,” I replied hastily. “Can you uh—can you give me the room details of the people who just passed here?”
• I tilt my head and swallow hard before looking back at her. I didn’t notice anything but her big blue eyes that seemed a little surprised at my request.
• “I’m sorry, are they expecting you?”
• I pause. Of course not.
• “No, but I really need to know if they are lodging here and if they are—“
• “I’m sorry ma’am but I can’t disclose any information. It’s against the hotel’s policy.”
• “That’s my boyfriend and—” I paused before I got the chance to say best friend. Who goes to a hotel with her best friend’s boyfriend??
• My lips became so dry that I had to wet it before exhaling audibly. I wished to protest but she didn’t look like she was going to change her mind.
• I gave a nod in defeat and turned to leave but her inaudible voice stopped me. “Wait.”
• I looked at her and her lips curled to the corner. “I can’t disclose much but this isn’t their first time here.” She shook her head. “I’m sorry.”
• My phone buzzed right in my hands and I stared at the screen.
• Helena: Girl, this project is killing me. I can’t seem to understand anything so I’m just sitting in the library. What are you up to? What time does your shift end?
• What the hell?
• I didn’t even know how to react but first, I looked at the receptionist who was now sympathetically looking at me and worried that I don’t drown myself or fall off a ledge.
• I turned away and even if I couldn’t seem to see clearly, I kept going. I struggled to maintain a normal pace because it felt like my heart was about to jump out of my chest.
• It was dark but the road was still buzzing with everyone in their world. I tried to get a grab of my world; working two shifts while trying to get a college degree with a grandma who has dementia and getting to find out that my boyfriend and best friend are fucking each other.
• I pushed the door to my apartment open and quickly climbed the stairs without looking back. I avoided as many neighbors as I could and the moment I closed the door, I leaned against it.
• I let the tears find their way down my cheeks and I cussed for letting him get to me; for letting them make me feel this way.
• I took off my shirt in one reach and headed to the bathroom. There was not much to do to make me feel better, but a cold water bath could at least reduce the pain. I spent the next hour sitting in the bathtub and letting the water reach my neck.
• I’m not sure what I felt but there was pain, anger, and disappointment shooting through my spine. I know Ian is young—a second-generation guy with a loud personality but I loved him and that love was killing me.
• I laid on my bed and shut my eyes. I needed to feel anything that wasn't my heart squeezing. I thought of ways to switch the emotion. I think of the text—did she really consider me a fool?
• I shifted to smash my phone but there was a knock.
• A knock that made me pant hard...
• I tried to catch my breath but Ian walked in. He was simply the most beautiful thing ever with a perfect height and green eyes that could pierce into my soul.
• He opened the door and our eyes met.
• “Hey baby,” he said and walked closer. My heart sputtered to a stop and I began to think— is it possible that he was trying to make up for not being present for my birthday yesterday?
• I paused.
• “Are you okay?” he asked, lifting his brow and I managed to give a nod.
• He sat beside me and exhaled. His cologne filled the air and I was unable to think of what was happening.
• “I think I need a piss.” He walked through the door and it latched behind him. I’m relieved to know I may be wrong about this whole thing.
• There was a buzz and I glanced toward the phone on the couch. I leaned closer to look at the notification bar.
• Helena: Take a look at what you caused...
• Curiosity took a better part of me and I clicked on the message.