She was lost and so was he.
Who knew that two broken hearts can connect to one.
Arabella's world has been rigged since the day she was born. Her fate had been decided for her much longer before she even had been conceived in the womb. So it came as...
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"Another gin and tonic, please."
Jackson, the bartender, offers me my second cup. The familiar flavor isn't as pleasant as it usually is. Instead, it tastes like water—flat and meaningless. Just a pointless drink to relieve my restlessness.
Jackson gives me a sympathetic look before quickly scanning behind me, and I know exactly what he's looking at. All the girls who used to be by my side have left to be with their man.
But don't get me wrong. I love this for them. They've all earned it. Still, I can't shake the pit of envy curling in my stomach. They've all so easily found someone for them. When is it going to be my turn?
Jackson turns his back and bends down, opening a cupboard that looks like a mini fridge. He brings out a small slice of cake and places it in front of me.
"On the house." He smiles, and I give him my best in return... though I know it comes out uneasy.
He takes two forks, sliding one to me, but I don't budge. Then he scoops a small piece of cake and takes a bite himself, holding his hands up in surrender like he's telling me it's safe.
I nod, picking up the fork and popping some icing in my mouth. I savor the taste, feeling giddy—this chocolate cake has got to be in my top ten. And I don't play when it comes to chocolate cake.
"This is amazing, Jackson. Thank you."
"No problem, babe."
My cheeks heat up at the nickname just as he turns away to assist a new customer.
I spin around in my chair, leaning my back against the counter and staring out into the crowd. My eyes settle on Taylor, who giggles alongside Liam as they dance in the corner, away from most people.
Next, I find Vivian draped over Noah for support. She's practically limp as he gently sways her to the music. I would've thought she was asleep if it weren't for the smile plastered on her face.
My gaze shifts again, this time to Dahlia and Marco in the private section reserved for us. Dahlia, being a lightweight, passed out pretty quickly, so Marco stayed with her.
Her body is curled onto his lap, and even from here, I can see the hesitance in Marco's stiff frame. But slowly, he starts running his fingers through her hair, staring down at her sleeping figure. He finally looks at peace—for once in his life.
I groan out loud, turning back in my seat and letting my head fall forward onto my crossed arms. What I didn't realize was that someone new would slide into the seat beside me.
"Guessing your night isn't going as well as planned?"
My head snaps up at the cool voice that sends a chill through me. Still, I keep my body turned forward, away from his burning gaze that makes my stomach flutter.
