8
Back with Rena, Sammy teased her, “Tyler’s out to ruin Grant’s career. Same old Tyler; he can’t stand anyone stepping in where he doesn’t
want them.”
“Grant’s been calling non–stop. Aren’t you going to answer?” Another friend chimed in, “If you’re not, then block him already; it’s too much.”
Rena stayed silent, finally asking, “Has Tyler done anything since?”
Everyone shook their heads. “Nothing. And if you’re just trying to make Tyler jealous by being with Grant, it’s not worth it. If he wanted to get back with you, he would have
by
now.”
One friend added, “Look, if Tyler still means something to you, maybe it’s time to swallow your pride. It won’t hurt.”
But Rena scoffed, “Why should I? We broke up.” Then she returned to her drink, ignoring everyone.
Meanwhile, I got home, opened the door, and immediately smelled alcohol. I felt her arms around me, and I frowned. “Eliza, why did you drink so much?”
She didn’t answer, just nuzzled against my neck, her hair tickling me. Then she looked up at me, her eyes watery, and kissed me. I didn’t resist. The taste of wine lingered on her lips, and soon I felt the warmth creeping through me, too.
Just as things were heating up, my phone rang, breaking the moment. It was Rena. Eliza, looking annoyed, glanced at me: I gave her a nod, and her eyes brightened. She answered the call, and Rena’s tipsy voice slurred through the line, “Tyler, I’m drunk. Can you come get me? How can you ignore me after all this?”
Eliza laughed softly. “Miss Hart, you might want to stop talking to my fiancé like that.”
There was a pause, then Rena’s voice returned, full of anger. “Eliza, you shameless woman, stealing someone else’s boyfriend.”
Eliza smirked, victorious. “That’s funny coming from you. Tyler and I are engaged, and we’re getting married next month. I’m his fiancée- legally.”
Rena’s tone shifted to disbelief. “No way. Tyler, don’t do this. I’ll throw you an engagement party, then a grand wedding, anything you want. I’ll marry you.”
My voice was still rough with sleep but cold as I responded, “Rena, we’re over.”
Eliza gave a satisfied nod, then ended the call. She turned to me, raising an eyebrow. “Shall we pick up where we left off?”
I nodded, lifting her and carrying her to bed.
Across town, Rena’s friends sat in silence, watching her. Someone muttered, “Looks like Tyler’s serious this time. If it were me, I’d never stick around for seven years only to see her say ‘yes‘ to someone else’s proposal.”
Another said, “It’s not like you even loved him, Rena. Maybe it’s time to just let him go.”
Everyone’s words seemed to bounce off Rena as she sat staring blankly at her phone screen. Suddenly, she got up, grabbed her keys, and someone said, “Did she just grab her car keys? She’s not going to the bathroom!”
One friend realized, “She’s drunk. She can’t drive like that.” They rushed to the parking lot to find her, but by then, Rena was gone.
“Is she going to see Tyler? Really? Why bother–Eliza’s with him now.”