A Bark In the Park

1. Valentine's Day

Harlie struggled with the bags in her hands as she walked up the three floors to the apartment she shared with her boyfriend, Zayne. Her heart beat in her chest as she thought about the surprises she had ready for him in those bags. At least she hoped it was the anticipation and not an impending heart attack.

With a shrug and a sigh, she finally made it to the hallway leading to their apartment. She adjusted the bags so her hand would be free to retrieve her keys from her purse. Harlie heard soft music through the door. Zayne wasn't expected home for a few more hours. They both worked at the same publishing house. He had told her earlier through an email he wouldn't be home until late due to a deadline he was on. She'd told him it was fine because she was going to go out with some of her single friends who were a bit depressed on Valentine's Day.

Harlie unlocked the door, pushing it open. Her breath caught in her chest as she looked around the living room. Rose petals were scattered along the floors. Candles illuminated all of the surfaces painting the room in a warm glow. Soft instrumental music filled the air. It was almost too much to take in. Her dog, Charlie, bounded up to her. He was still clumsy and growing into his enormous paws. With the bags still attached to her, she petted him while he rubbed against her hard enough to throw her off balance and into the table.

She placed her bags on the table where a tray of chocolate-covered strawberries lay artfully displayed. Two flutes of champagne flanked the tray. Harlie realized she knew what all of the romance was. It wasn't just a romantic gesture for Valentine's Day. Zayne was going to propose. He'd done nothing so elaborate or romantic for her before. She'd given up on the idea of him even giving her flowers years ago.

Biting her lip, she contemplated changing into the sexy lingerie she'd bought. They'd both been working long hours and it had taken a toll on their relationship. She wanted to get them back to when they'd fallen in love. If she was honest with herself, their relationship had never been an overly romantic one. It didn't have all the bells and whistles one would think of when thinking of a truly romantic love. They were just a solid couple.

Forgoing the lingerie, Harlie took a deep breath and slowly followed the rose petals to the bedroom door. Charlie whined as she turned the doorknob. Harlie froze inside the doorway as Charlie grumbled next to her. The rose petals led to a large king-size bed. Candles continued through the room, giving it a romantic vibe. Unfortunately, the two people screwing like bunnies on the bed were like ice water on that thought.

"What the hell?" Harlie heard herself say.

The couple didn't seem to hear her as they continued enjoying themselves.

"Oh, baby. You feel so good." Her now ex-boyfriend, Zayne, said as he pounded into the woman on the bed.

"You hit all the right spots, Zayne." Her now ex-best friend, Karen, said.

That was a whole lotta exes and no ohs. Well, if she stood there long enough, they'd get their ohs. Harlie couldn't get herself to move though. It felt like she was driving past a car crash, but instead of a car, it was her life she watched shatter before her very eyes.

"When are you going to tell her?" Karen breathed after an overly dramatic moan. She was totally faking.

"As soon as she gets home. I can't wait to begin our lives together." Zayne grunted then came.

"That was so good, Zayne. I can't wait to do that for the rest of our lives."

Zayne was still frozen on top and inside of her. Her best friend and boyfriend had just had sex in their bed on Valentine's Day. She shook her head. Make that ex-boyfriend and ex-best friend. Harlie watched as Zayne leaned down and kissed Karen's hand that was sporting a new accessory.

"I love—"

Harlie couldn't take any more of the lovefest. "What the fuck is going on here?"

Zayne jumped, causing Karen to flail and fall on the floor. If her life wasn't falling apart, Harlie would have laughed.

"What the fuck are you doing home?" Zayne grabbed the sheet and pulled it over his naked body while looking at her like she was an intruder.

Harlie scoffed. "I live here, remember? Up until the last," Harlie lifted her wrist, pretending to look at a watch, then continued, "five minutes we were a couple who resided together."

Karen moaned while using the bed to stand. Harlie's stomach turned into itself. She was going to be sick.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, Harlie. Don't be so dramatic." Zayne huffed out.

The lying, cheating douche canoe was trying to act like nothing happened. Only minutes ago, he had his dick in another woman. Realization struck her as Charlie growled softly next to her. Zayne was an idiot and didn't deserve her. At that realization, her eyes began to water.

"You know what? Have a good life. The two of you deserve one another. I will come back tomorrow for my things. Don't be here when I come by." Harlie looked down at Charlie. "Come on, Chuck."

Charlie gave the betrayers a toothy smile that would scare the pants off anyone who didn't know the big galoot. She turned on her heel and marched to the table. In one swoop, she grabbed the bags then went to get Charlie's leash. She passed the tray of strawberries and champagne. A red haze took over her vision as she swiped the tray and champagne, sending them crashing to the floor.

Charlie immediately tried to grab a strawberry treat.

"No, Charlie!" she snapped. "Those are poisoned."

As Harlie opened the door to leave, she heard her name. It was Karen. She was leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. She was also wearing Harlie's robe. Well, that would be burned.

"What?" Harlie snapped.

A vicious grin curled her lips. "I wanted to give you a Valentine's Day gift from me." Karen walked over to Harlie. Standing only a foot or two in front of her, she said, "Two weeks after you met."

Harlie was confused. What was the crazy bitch talking about? "What are you talking about?"

"Two weeks after you started dating Zayne, I started fucking him. Happy Valentine's Day, Harlie."

Harlie felt hot tears pool in the corners of her eyes. With a deep breath, she willed them to stay there. She would not give the bitch any satisfaction. A tingling in her palm called to her to slap the robe thief. Instead, she tilted her chin up and raised an eyebrow at Karen.

"What makes you think I give a fuck, Karen?" Harlie ripped open the door, but before it closed, she gave one piece of advice for the human piece of dog crap. "One piece of advice, hun. Fake better. Your fake oh face is horrible. Practice in the mirror when he isn't around. You're going to become a pro at faking those."

Harlie slammed the door to the sound of Karen sputtering a reply. With every ounce of pride she had left, she marched with Charlie to the stairs. With each step, tears dripped down her face.

What the fuck was shegoing to do now?