Chapter 4

EMILIA

When I first moved into Tessa’s apartment, two thoughts hit me.

One: Tessa was just as high maintenance as she’d been in college. Everything in her place screamed luxury. High-end furniture, designer décor, the kind of perfectly curated space that made you wonder if people actually lived there. I was happy she had a job that let her maintain the lifestyle.

Two: Tessa’s apartment was the most comfortable place in the world to feel like shit.

Even though she had decorated a guest room just for me, I spent most of my worst nights on her couch, wrapped in an overpriced throw blanket, drinking wine straight from the bottle.

And now, as I stare at the notification on my phone, I know exactly what I need to do.

I walk into Tessa’s kitchen, grab a bottle of red wine, some expensive brand I don’t recognize, and collapse onto her couch. Popping the cork, I take a long gulp before daring to look at my phone again.

For months, I wanted this. I prayed for him to reach out. Now, it’s the last thing I need.

Calm down, Emilia. It’s probably just closure or whatever.

It’s not like one message could change anything.

I tap the notification. My stomach twists as I realize I never changed how I saved his name.