Emily’s heart thudded as she made her way to the bar, hyper-aware of Ryan’s presence across the room. She fixed her gaze on the bartender, determined not to give her ex the satisfaction of even a glance.
“Two rum and cokes, and loaded nachos, please,” Emily said, her voice steady. As the bartender nodded and turned to prepare the drinks, Emily’s mind raced.
Fuck. Of all the pubs in all of Seabridge, that prick had to walk into this one.
She drummed her fingers on the sticky bar top, willing the drinks to materialize faster. She didn’t want him seeing her and she didn’t want to deal with him coming out with his bullshit in public.
Not worth it. He’s not worth it.
“Here you are, love,” the bartender said, sliding two glasses across the bar.
Emily grabbed them, tossing a quick “Cheers” over her shoulder as she maneuvered through the Sunday crowd. She could feel eyes on her back as she walked, and she wasn’t sure if they belonged to Ryan or just her paranoid imagination.
Reaching their table, Emily set the drinks down with a little more force than necessary, sloshing rum over the sides.
“Shit,” she muttered, grabbing a napkin to mop up the spill.
Sophia leaned in, her voice low. “You okay? He hasn’t tried anything, has he?”
Emily shook her head, forcing a sardonic smile. “Nah, I’m peachy. Just love sharing oxygen with cheating bastards, you know?”
She took a long swig of her drink, relishing the burn as it went down. The alcohol wouldn’t solve anything, but damn if it didn’t take the edge off.
The plate of nachos landed on the table with a clatter, the scent of melted cheese and jalapenos wafting up. Emily had just shoved a cheesy chip into her mouth when Sophia’s eyes widened.
“Shit,” Sophia hissed, ducking her head. “The asshole’s coming our way.”
Emily’s stomach clenched. She swallowed hard, the nacho suddenly dry in her throat. “For fuck’s sake,” she muttered, rolling her eyes.
Ryan’s cologne hit her before his voice did – that cloying, overpowering scent she used to love. Now it just made her want to gag.
“Emily!” Ryan’s voice boomed, far too loud for the intimate pub setting. “Fancy seeing you here, sweetheart.”
Emily’s jaw tightened. Sweetheart. As if he had any right to call her that anymore. She kept her eyes fixed on her drink, refusing to look up.
“What do you want, Ryan?” she asked flatly.
He stumbled slightly as he approached their table. Great. He was drunk. Again.
“Can’t a guy say hello to his fiancee?” Ryan slurred, reaching for Emily’s shoulder.
She jerked away from his touch. “Ex-fiancee,” she snapped. “In case you forgot.”
Sophia’s eyes darted between them, her hand inching towards her phone. Emily knew her friend was ready to call for backup if needed.
“Aw, come on baby,” Ryan wheedled. “Don’t be like that. We can work this out.”
Emily’s patience snapped. She stood abruptly, finally meeting Ryan’s bloodshot eyes.
“There’s nothing to work out,” she hissed. “You cheated. We’re done. Now leave us the fuck alone.”
Her heart raced, adrenaline coursing through her veins. Part of her wanted to slap that stupid, drunken grin off his face. But she was better than that. Better than him.
“You heard her,” Sophia chimed in, her voice steely. “Fuck off, Ryan.”
Emily’s lips twitched. God, she loved her best friend.
Ryan’s face darkened, his charm evaporating. “You ungrateful bitch,” he snarled. “After everything I’ve done for you-”
Emily gritted her teeth as Ryan’s voice cut through the background chatter of the pub.
“Come on, Em. Just hear me out,” he pleaded, his words slurring slightly. The stench of whiskey wafted off him.
“I’ve heard enough,” Emily said flatly, not bothering to look at him. “Please leave us alone.”
Ryan’s face darkened. He grabbed Emily’s arm, yanking her towards him. “You’re coming with me. We need to talk.”
Emily wrenched her arm free, fury in her eyes. “Don’t you dare touch me,” she hissed.
Fuck, why won’t he take a hint? she thought, heart racing. Part of her wanted to slap that arrogant look off his face.
“Is there a problem here?” The bartender appeared, his burly frame imposing as he glowered at Ryan.
“This doesn’t concern you,” Ryan snapped.
“I’m gonna have to ask you to leave, mate,” the bartender said firmly. “You’re disturbing other customers.”
Ryan’s jaw clenched. “Not without Emily.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you,” Emily said, voice steely. “We’re done, Ryan. Accept it and move on.”
The bartender crossed his arms. “Last chance. Leave now, or I’m calling the police.”
For a tense moment, Ryan glared at them both. Emily held her breath, praying he wouldn’t cause even more of a scene.
Finally, Ryan threw up his hands in disgust. “Fine. Fuck this.” He stormed towards the exit, shouldering past other patrons.
Emily exhaled shakily, offering the bartender a grateful smile. “Thank you so much.”
He nodded. “No worries, love. Let me know if he comes back and gives you any more trouble.”
As he walked away, Emily slumped in her chair. Christ, what a nightmare. She needed another drink to wash away the bitter taste Ryan left behind.
Emily’s hands trembled as she reached for her glass, the cool condensation a stark contrast to the heat rising in her cheeks. The pub’s dim lighting couldn’t hide the concern etched on Sophia’s face.
“What a fucking asshole,” Sophia spat, her voice low but venomous. “You okay, Em?”
Emily nodded, more out of reflex than conviction. “I’m trying to be,” she managed, her throat tight. “Him grabbing at me like that… it just…” She trailed off, searching for words.
“Worried you?” Sophia supplied, her hazel eyes scanning Emily’s face.
“Yeah,” Emily admitted. “Left a bad taste in my mouth too.” She grimaced, remembering Ryan’s alcohol-laced breath.
Sophia’s brow furrowed as she pushed the plate of nachos towards Emily. “Carbs help,” she declared, a hint of her usual playfulness creeping back into her tone.
Emily stared at the cheese-covered chips, her stomach churning. Part of her wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all here she was, in a pub with her best friend, being offered nachos as a remedy for her ex-fiance’s douchebaggery. But the lingering anxiety from Ryan’s unwanted touch kept the laughter at bay.
“I should be over this by now,” Emily muttered, more to herself than to Sophia. She picked up a nacho, the grease leaving a sheen on her fingertips. “I mean, fuck’s sake, I spent last night with Lucas. I shouldn’t still be rattled by Ryan’s bullshit.”
Sophia reached across the table, squeezing Emily’s free hand. “Hey, healing isn’t linear, babe. You’re allowed to have moments of ‘what the fuck’ even when things are getting better.”
Emily popped the nacho into her mouth, chewing slowly. The salt and spice hit her tongue, grounding her in the present. She swallowed, washing it down with a swig of her drink.
“You’re right,” she conceded, offering Sophia a small smile. “As usual.”
“Damn straight,” Sophia grinned, raising her glass in a mock toast. “Now, eat your therapy nachos and tell me more about last night with Lucas. I need details, woman!”
Emily felt a genuine laugh bubble up, pushing aside the last of the tension Ryan had left behind.
Emily nearly choked on her nacho, caught off-guard by Sophia’s blunt question. She swallowed hard, buying herself a moment as her cheeks flushed.
“Jesus, Soph. Way to just dive right in there,” Emily said, wiping her mouth with a napkin.
Sophia leaned forward, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Well? Spill it, girl. Did Daddy dearest give that perfect ass a spanking?”
Emily’s mind flashed to Lucas’ strong hands gripping her hips, the sharp sting as his palm connected. She shifted in her seat, pulse quickening.
“Maybe,” she mumbled, avoiding Sophia’s gaze.
“Oh my god, he totally did!” Sophia squealed, drawing looks from nearby tables. She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “So? How was it?”
Emily sighed, knowing her best friend wouldn’t let this go. “It was… intense. In a good way.” She paused, searching for words. “Left me trembling and desperate for more.”
“Fuck,” Sophia breathed. “That’s hot.”
“Yeah,” Emily agreed, a small smile playing on her lips. She took a long sip of her drink, relishing the burn of alcohol. “Never thought I’d be into that, but with Lucas… I don’t know. It just feels right.”
Sophia nodded sagely. “Sometimes you don’t know what you like until you try it with the right person.”
Emily’s phone buzzed.
Daddy: Thinking of you, baby girl.
Her stomach fluttered.
“Speaking of,” Emily said, showing Sophia the message.
Sophia waggled her eyebrows. “Ooh, Daddy’s calling. Better answer before you get another spanking.”
Emily rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her grin.
Emily’s phone buzzed against the sticky pub table, a welcome distraction from Sophia’s probing questions about her escapades with Lucas. She swiped open the message, her lips curving into a smile as she read his words.
“God, I miss him already,” Emily murmured, her cheeks flushing. “Is that pathetic?”
Sophia snorted. “After the night you just described? Hell no. Get it, girl.”
Emily’s fingers hovered over the keys as she considered her reply. Fuck it. She was done playing coy.
Baby Girl: Counting down the minutes until tomorrow night.
Daddy: Don’t bother wearing underwear, baby girl.
A jolt of electricity shot through her body, settling low in her belly. Christ. How did he do this to her with just a few words?