Open Marriage (ON HOLD)

Chapter 2

(May 6, 2016)

(Y/N POV)

Separating from Ricky was something I thought would never happen. But then again, I didn't know I would have to go through losing someone so close to me three years prior. Losing Cory destroyed us all, especially my husband. We all died a little that day. The surprising moment about my situation was he found comfort in someone else instead of me, his wife of seven years.

Ricky and I separated in early spring, deciding together this was the right decision. More him than me because I've been committed to him since the moment he walked back into my life. Maybe I thought it was just him who needed a break from the others. I guess I came to terms with it quicker than I thought because here I was sitting in a limo headed to a movie premiere with Tyler (CEO of the company I shared with my best friend) by my side. We both knew we were going as friends, but by the end of the night, one event would change my life more than I ever thought it would.

I opened my eyes, trying to stay out of my thoughts. I needed to focus on the people that shared this luxurious limo with me. I needed to realize that tonight wasn't about what I was going through. It was about my new friend sitting across from me, who had my best friend wrapped in his arms. A lot had changed over the last year for Rachel, all good, too. I watched my best friend fall head over heels in love with Chris Evans. It was a joy to witness two people find what they needed from the other. It's hard to believe that it was only a year ago to the date that these two were strangers. I chuckled, thinking about the night they met.

"What's so funny?" Rachel questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Just thinking about where the two of you were a year ago today," I answered, my eyes darting between the couple across from Tyler and me.

"Ah, I was so drunk that night," Chris grimaced at the memory.

"Yes, you were," Rachel laughed, placing a hand on his thigh.

"All night, you kept asking me about Rachel," I reminded him. "It was so funny. You were sprung, and you didn't even know who she was."

"I just knew the moment I saw her, I needed her in my life. I didn't matter how," he expressed, reaching up and cupping Rachel's cheek. "Truth be told, I didn't think I stood much of a chance with you."

"What?" we all exclaimed.

"Why do you all seem surprised? She is Rachel Dake, a billionaire business mogul," he explained.

"And you are Chris Evans, Captain America," Rachel shot back.

"This is why they are perfect for each other," Tyler finally chimed in after being lost in his phone for most of the ride.

"We kinda are perfect," Chris whispered to Rachel, leaning over, pressing a soft kiss on her lips.

I smile at the sight of the two in front of me before turning towards Tyler. I watched him frown, glancing at me, taking my hand. "You okay, babe?"

"Yeah, I'm going to do everything in my power to have fun tonight," I promised, the limo coming to a halt.

"It's showtime," Chris announced, glancing around the limo.

The door next to Chris opened, allowing in the outside chaos. Cameras flashed, people shouted, fans cheered, and the atmosphere filled with so much energy. I smiled, watching Chris slowly exit the limo, first helping Rachel out, then myself. My smile never left my face, gazing down, smoothing out my red designer dress. It was a spaghetti-strapped, low-back dress that went to the middle of my thighs. I felt extraordinary in my dress, and everyone around me made me feel it too.