Second Chances

Bad decisions make for excellent blackmail

Madison

I need to stop drinking when I have to work the next day. I felt like death, but I couldn't call off. I had to meet Issac to discuss wedding destinations. Ugh.

I dragged my ass out of bed and shuffled to the kitchen to take some pain relief from the jackhammer in my head. I grabbed two pills and tossed them back before washing them down with water.

"Morning, drunky," Michael said.

I glared at Michael while he sat at the counter and drank his coffee. I poured a cup of coffee and leaned on the counter across from him. "It wasn't my intention to get drunk."

"It's never your intention to get drunk unless it involves your ex."

"Then I had an excellent reason to get drunk." I sipped my coffee, hoping the caffeine did its job. "Where is Cheryl and Valentina?"

"Cheryl left before you dragged your hangover ass out of bed. Valentina is still asleep."

"Wait. Cheryl left already."

"Surprisingly, since she seemed chipper after her drunken escapade last night."

"That is surprising since she caught Todd banging his assistant."

"Cliche much?"

"That's what I said."

"I don't understand why Cheryl puts up with that douche. She could do so much better."

"The same reason we put up with our stupid exes. We wanted love."

"Pft. Love can suck a big fat one." My brother was still slightly salty from what Julie did to him if you couldn't guess.

"You can stay salty about your ex while I get ready to meet Issac at the office."

"Good luck."

I glanced at Michael before shaking my head and heading to my room. I got ready, keeping it casual since I didn't have the energy to put together my outfit. Grandpa will question me when he sees me. I don't care. I'm nursing a hangover.

I arrived at the office, went upstairs to find Cheryl sitting at her desk, and approached it. "How are you so chipper this morning after last night?"

Cheryl looked at me and grinned. "It helps when you toss your cheating ex's clothes on the front lawn and change the locks."

"When did you change your locks?"

"I had my dad change the locks while my mom tossed Todd's clothes outside. She even took pictures to show her artwork." Cheryl showed me the pictures her mom sent her.

I couldn't help but smile. "I love your mom. She takes no prisoners."

"My mom enjoys helping me with a problem. It gives her great satisfaction."

"Maybe she could talk some sense into my brother."

"Is Michael still salty about love?"

"You met my brother. He refuses to consider any aspect of love."

"How does that work while working on weddings? That's like the biggest declaration of love around."

"Michael picks the weddings he knows won't last. It satisfies him to watch people crash and burn like he did."

"I will never understand your brother's logic." Cheryl shook her head.

"Neither will I."

"By the way, Issac is waiting for you in conference room one."