PTE

IA'S

pt echoing in my mind, the pain of his betrayal cutting me deeply. But Amanda was r

g, Amanda's reassuring voice on the phone helped keep me grounded. "Ames, I'm so

ain. "I feel so...lost right now. I don't know how I'm

firmly. "Me and the girls, we're all here for

r of comfort to my aching heart. "

the haze of misery. As I walked in, Amanda practically leaped off the couch where she

e." She pulled back, her eyes shining with

ears that threatened to spill over again. "I'm...man

feeling. But we're all here for you, okay?" She gestured to the group

ender blonde I recognized as Tiffany stood up and swept me into a warm hug. "Amelia, I

her kindness. "Thank you, Tiffany. It m

curvy redhead - both chimed in with words of comfort and support. I was suddenly surrounded by thi

voice gentle. "Amanda told us a little of what happened, and we

ing with sincerity. "You're one of us now, Ameli

med by their kindness. "I...I don't even

. Now, what do you say we start this girls' night off right?" She signaled

anda declared, raising her glass. The other girls echoed h

I felt a small spark of warmth ignite within me. Maybe Amanda

funny stories and asking me questions about my life that didn't involve Jason. I fou

ous grin, "tell us, what's the wildest thi

estion. "Oh, I, um...I don't know if I'm comforta

a playful nudge. "Aw, come on, girl! We're

o seemed so genuinely invested in making me feel better. But the memories of Jason's cruel words st

er did was...we had sex in the back of his car once, during

eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oooh, naughty!"

ace my lips. It felt good to share something lightheart

d support. Tiffany insisted on touching up my makeup, while Olivia and Evelyn

ng me approvingly. "Jason's an idiot for cheat

such overt compliments. "Thank y

g my arm an encouraging squeeze. "You're an absol

lf-confidence starting to take root amidst the turmoil. May

we danced, we sang along to the pulsing music. For the first time in what felt like an et

e beat. Tiffany and Olivia were by my sides, their arms linked with mine as we swayed and shimmied.

e dance floor. Our gazes locked, and I felt a jolt of electricity run through me. He had dark, smolderin

couldn't resist the temptation to sneak another glance in his direction. To my surpris

ked, leaning in close so I could

sounded steadier than I felt. "I, uh, I think

ing up with delight. "Ooh, really? Well,

uickly caught on, mirroring Tiffany's movements as they both danced around me. I felt a surge of self-consciousness at fi

watching, his gaze now smoldering with undisguised interest. A thrill of anticipation shot through me, and fo

my mind chided. _You're still marr

issed our relationship. He had shattered our marriage, not me. And as much as it still hurt

move with an uninhibited sensuality that I hadn't felt in a long time. I caught the s

see me letting loose. "That's it, Ames!" Amanda ye

llowed myself to truly feel _alive_. The pain and heartbreak were still there, lingeri

d friends, I might just be able to make it through this. I might even be able to find my way b

rry me, my body moving with a newfound grace and pas