Chapter 1

I was excited to go out with my friends, as it was the first Friday night we all had off in months. With our road schedules, live events, and overseas trips, it was nice to sit with my work buddies and enjoy some drinks and music. As Sydney approached the table, she asked, “Who’s creating the tab this time?” “It’s my turn, Mercedes covered it in October,” I replied, pulling out my card and heading to the bar. My mood was upbeat, but while I waited, I overheard a woman say, “Ugh, why does he have to be so controlling.” Concern flickered through my cheerfulness. Trying not to intrude but concerned, I asked, “Hey, are you ok?” She looked sad and said, “Yeah, I was supposed to meet my friends and my ex-husband told them I’m sick, so they all backed out.” I hesitated, feeling a mixture of sympathy and uncertainty, but then offered, “If you want, you can hang out with me and my friends, they won’t mind. I’m Pam by the way,” I said, extending my hand. She gave a shy smile. “That’s alright, I’ll just finish my drink and go home,” she replied, taking a sip. Seeing she was still upset, I insisted, “No, please, I insist. They really won’t mind,” almost dragging her to our booth. Introducing her as our new friend, I suddenly realized with a bit of embarrassment, “Oh shoot, I didn’t even get your name.” She answered, “I’m Brittany.” Explaining her situation, I told the group, “Her friends dipped on her, and I didn’t want her night to end early or for her to be alone, so I told her she could hang out with us.” Sydney extended her hand, “Cool.” I continued, “This is Trinity, Sydney, Mercedes, and Bianca.” We sat around, and the conversation was lively. After a while, I announced, “I’m headed up for another drink, what’s everyone drinking?” After taking orders, Trinity and I went to the bar, with Brittany trailing behind and ordering a Dr Pepper and Rum. “It’s on us, we create a tab at the beginning of the night. One of us covers it, then at the end of the night we settle up,” explained Trinity as we added Brittany to our tab. As we returned to the table, the lighthearted mood returned. “We all work for the same company and have been friends for years. We rarely get the chance to go out as a group, so having someone new join us is fun,” Sydney said, flashing her gorgeous smile. Mercedes asked, “Are you married, have kids? How old are you? I’d say no older than 22-23.” Brittany replied, “I’m recently divorced, I have 2 daughters, and I just turned 29.” In response to our questions, she asked about us: “Who’s single, married, has kids?” I answered, “I’m single. Trinity, Mercedes, and Bianca are married. Sydney is in a long-term relationship.” Trinity added, “I have kids, Bianca does too, the rest are kid-free.” Just then, Demi and Daria joined us. “Hey, you started without us,” Daria pouted. “Yeah, you’re an hour late, we started at 8:00, it’s after 9:00,” Trinity said. I stood up, “By the way, this is Demi and Daria. They work with us too.” As the mood lifted further, someone suggested, “Let’s hit the dance floor.” An hour or so later, I saw Brittany leave the dance floor, heading for the bar. I didn’t see Daria leave, but later that night we all gathered at the table to tally up our tab. Brittany tried to contribute, but Demi smiled, “We got you this time, new girl.” I added, “Besides you only had 2 drinks and a bottle of water.” Brittany explained, “Yeah, I had to stop after 2 because the cops around here don’t like me after dealing with my ex-husband’s past bullshit.” As we left the bar, my mood shifted to hopeful camaraderie as I asked, “Hey Brittany, can I get your number, so next time we go out you can join us?” She typed her number into my phone. “I have 50/50 custody of my daughters and I have them every other week, so my free time is limited, but if there’s ever a weekend I’m free, I’d love to join you girls again. Thank you for letting me hang out with you.” Trinity also gave her phone so Brittany had her number too. As she left, I called out, “I just sent you a text so you have my number.” On the way home, a thoughtful silence came over me. “You’re awful quiet, Pam. What’s up?” Mercedes asked as we pulled into my driveway. Trinity chimed in, “Yeah, what’s up with you? Pammy is never this quiet.” I tried to explain, searching for the right words. “I don’t know what it was about Brittany, but I’m already attached to her. We’re going to be together, and I never say that about another female—she’s going to be mine forever by the time I’m done.” I felt a surge of determination and something deeper lingering. After going inside, I let Flex out before changing into my pajamas and then posted the photos from the night to Instagram, feeling satisfied but also a bit anxious about what might come next. Little did I know what trouble that would cause Brittany in the long run. I didn’t find out until I woke up the next morning, heart pounding with curiosity, and saw a text from her: “Good morning Bayley.”