Damn right, I do.
I march past her and exit the washroom. I’m here to celebrate my birthday with my family and I intend to do just that.
Chapter 50
Athena
“Tell me what it’s like being twenty-four.” Leanna drops a cupcake in front of me. “It’s been a decade for me, so I can’t remember.”
I manage a small smile. “It’s only been a day for me, and I’d say so far, not so good.”
I’m not saying that because I still haven’t heard a word from Liam. I didn’t expect to.
I made it very clear in that last voicemail message I left him that I was done.
After I had dinner with my family, I explained to them that Liam and I weren’t going to work out.
I didn’t get into the details of being ghosted.
Jeremy loves me to death, and as much as I appreciate his need to defend me, I didn’t want to hear about how Liam had wronged me.
The details about what happened between us don’t matter. The end result does.
We had fun, and then it was over.
I opened up and shared a part of myself that he couldn’t handle. I may have second-guessed my decision to do that the past few days, but I don’t anymore.
I’m the daughter of two people who made terrible choices.
That doesn’t define me. If anything, it has helped me see that I can do better.
“I didn’t sleep much last night,” I clarify my previous comment so Leanna doesn’t start asking about Liam.
“All the sugar in this will help.” She points at the cupcake. “I ate mine on the way to work.”
I manage a small laugh. “It was your breakfast?”
“I had breakfast early.” She rubs her stomach. “The cupcake was for the little one in here.”
I drop my gaze to the front of her jeans. “You’re pregnant?”
“It’s so early.” She lets out a sigh. “I did the test at home this morning, so I’m still in the danger zone, but fingers crossed that next summer, I’ll be a mom again.”
I round the table to hug her. “I’m happy for you and Al.”
She breaks the embrace to look into my eyes. “You’ll get this too one day, Athena. The right guy will stroll through that door and sweep you off your feet when you least expect it.”
That already happened.
I was swept away. I fell in love, and then he disappeared.
***
Hours later, I finally lock the door for the day.
It was busier than usual. Leanna stayed an extra hour to help me fulfill all the orders that arrived before delivery cut-off. I helped Al load them into the back of his SUV before I gave them both a hug and sent them on their way.
I suck in a deep breath knowing that I am less than thirty minutes away from a bubble bath.