. Matt was in the doorway of her room, with his hands all over her roommate Vivian. Vivian looked up at him and ran her

cooed as she traced circles on

answered. “You’re the

aked in. She choked back a sob, but the sound escaped. Vivian’s head snapped in the dire

ience. Who’s there? Mayb

she could from there. This can’t be happening. I must have heard wrong, she thought. That’s it. It’s some kind of misu

Matt gas

broken woman. And she knew what joy Vivian must have felt at that. Vivian Stone had a reputation around campus. Boys loved her, and girls hated her. She was known for stealing boyfriends and breaking up relationships. Emma thought being her roommate could have protected her. But all it d

e Emma. He disentangled himself from Vivian and motioned fo

ested. “We can talk over some drinks.

ir first date. Vivian knew that. Not only did she love stealing people’s boyfriends, she loved t

at’s a good—” Mat

to let Vivian see how broken she felt. Or let Matt know how much he’d hurt her. “A drink sounds grea

their room. Emma felt yet another stab. Matt started at her. His eyes looked around at everything but her face. The walls cl

en—” Matt t

h her body. Matt said nothing else. The tension mounted between them. It was a palpable entity waiting in that hallway. After the longest few m

them. Night had fallen and the storm was still raging. Rumbles of thu

ing, Emm

. It was a high school graduation gift from his parents and he kept it in pristine condition. Emma thought of

ivian sneered. “

,” Matt offered, and went

all wet. She’ll ruin the inside o

for her spot. It was part of the game for her. She got off on causing he

the car. I’ll m

r. Emma backed away. She could

on of the bar. Her heart thrashed against her ribs as she ran.

as her mantra as she ran. She did her best to try and not notice as Matt’s car passed her. She tried not to see how Vivian threw her he

ry. Don

celebrating their anniversary. He’d tenderly kissed her and promised that they would always be together. He gushed about

was decorated as a 1920’s speakeasy. There were often local artists or musicians performing ther

romised herself, I’ll nev

her favorite table. Emma took a

g the space across from them empty

figured she’d need the liquid courage, so downed the drink in one breath. Emma felt an instan

energy for this. If you want to break up with me so you can keep

g will. She wanted Emma to break. She wa

ied. “You just worked so many hours and Matt got lonely. I k

with her?”

“Deep, passionate and true love. I’

Vivian. “You want him? You can have him.” V

, and study. You never try and look good for him. You’re such a prude. It’s no wonder he got bored of you.” A wicked glint flashed in Vivian’s eyes. There was one more thing she could try to brea

Vivian’s drink and t

our friendship intact, but I can see

f all, you keep Sabrina’s name out of your mouth. Say what you want abo

jealous I g

bar was watching them. And Emma found she didn’t care. S

yelled at her. “We tried to have a civilized

led back. “I’ve released you so you can be with your precious bitch.