Vanessa POV

The next morning I woke up with one hell of a headache. Of course... Because I wasn't suffering more than enough as it was. I covered my eyes against the bright light shining through the windows from outside. In my drunken state, I had also forgotten to close the curtains and now I was paying the price.

Groaning, I sat up. Slowly, those unpleasant thoughts came back to me. The wounds were fresh and hurt my heart so much that I wondered if it would ever get better. Maybe I just had to get used to the idea that I was a person who was being dumped. I mean, my mother had left me too.

It was probably because deep down I was simply unlovable or generally not worth it. I didn't know. In any case, these thoughts didn't help me one bit, instead they pulled me back into this damn dark hole I was always trying to escape from.

My eyes fell on Damian, who was still snoring loudly. That wasn't good for my head, so I carefully got out of bed and went into the closet to get some fresh clothes. A glance in the mirror showed me that I looked even worse than I felt. And that should mean something, because I had actually thought that wasn't possible.

"Hi Feliz... How are you feeling?" I suddenly heard this deep voice behind me ask.

Damian was standing behind me, leaning against the door frame. He looked totally sleepy. His eyes were small and his hair was messy as he rubbed his face tiredly.

"Like I was run over by a truck. But your company really helped. At least that way I didn't have to get drunk on my own. So thanks for that." I replied.

"Hey, that's what friends are for. Get ready and maybe take some painkillers. I'm going home to freshen up and pick you up in an hour." he said as he put his arm around my shoulder.

"What? Why? I don't want to leave the house." I grumbled.

"Because we're going for breakfast. I'll also call Rhea and see if she wants to come with us." he explained.

"D... That's really nice, but it's not necessary. I'm a big girl and I'll be fine." I replied and lowered my eyes because tears were forming in my eyes again.

"You better bet it's necessary. I told you I wouldn't let you mourn that idiot forever. Now get going, because I think Pom-Pom needs to go for a walk too." he said before pressing a kiss to my hair and then basically nudging me towards the bathroom.

*****

45 minutes later, I left the house with my dog so she could do her business. I was freshly showered and generally felt refreshed. Even though I didn't bother with dressing up in any way. No make-up, no perfume, no hair styling, no jewelry. Just a messy bun, ripped jeans and a too-big T-shirt paired with well-worn sneakers.

As we walked through the neighborhood, I quickly noticed that I wasn't the only one who seemed tired. Pom-Pom was walking much slower than usual and didn't even seem to be interested in sniffing everything like she usually did.

"You're tired too, aren't you, Pom? Did the snoring keep you awake? No wonder, it was pretty loud..." I said and yawned as we made our way back home.

We had just arrived back at the house when Damian drove up the driveway. As always, Pom was happy to see him. Although I thought I detected a little bit of reluctance today.

"Are we ready to go?" he asked as he got out of the car with a big grin and took my dog in his arms.

Normally she would have licked his nose, but today she gave him a headbutt. I couldn't help but laugh. Even though I didn't really feel like it.

"Hey, Madame Pompadour! Don't get rebellious, eh?" he said, tousling her fur.

"Oh full name! I don't think that will impress her." I replied with a chuckle and unlocked the door.

Then I took her out of Damian's arms so I could take her inside.

"Probably not, but that's her name. Are you ready to go?" he wanted to know.

"Yes, just let me take my bag. And that's just the name the breeder gave her. That doesn't count. Okay, little one, be good. Mommy will be back in a few hours," I explained.

*****

Half an hour later, we arrived at a café in the city center. Rhea was already waiting for us at the door. She looked at me wide-eyed, but there was something about her expression that I couldn't read. It was almost as if she was holding back.

"Whatever you have to say... Just get it over with." I sighed.

"Ness, come on... I know this isn't the time. I can wait. For now, let's get your mind off things. And I'm sorry the bastard broke your heart. You didn't deserve that. We love you and only want the best for you,' she said after hugging me tightly.

Then she gave Damian a look before we went inside and were taken to a free table. We ordered and talked about everything possible while we waited for our breakfast.

Meanwhile, Rhea looked like she was sitting on burning coals. I saw D give her a kick.

"You know... You might as well say it now before you burst. I know you didn't like him," I finally intervened.

"No, Feliz. She has nothing to say at the moment." Damian said.

"Actually..." Rhea began.

"Don't." he warned her.

"Oh come on! He was the biggest douchebag and not good enough for you. And this proves that I'm right. Ness, you deserve so much more. And I promise you that you'll get over this... this guy. There's a better man waiting for you." she babbled without even taking a breath.

Damian groaned in frustration and threw his head back. I knew he would have preferred it if she had kept her opinion to herself.

"So much for just 'I told you so', huh?" I asked him.

"Well, I was hoping she'd be a bit more empathetic. And that she'd last longer than 15 minutes. 'Not the time' my ass." he muttered before giving Rhea a sharp look.

"Was it empathetic to tell me you're about to set me up with someone again?" I wanted to know from him.

"Um...well...at least I kept my opinion about Mitch to myself." he replied and I knew he was feeling at least a little guilty now.

"I'll let you know when and if I'm ready." I said softly.

"You will be. We still have two weeks until we're in Vegas again... I say we all have a great time there. Maybe with a show or something and lots of other fun." Rhea then said to change the subject.

"And by fun you mean booze?" I wanted to know.

"Yes, obviously." she replied.

"No thanks... After last night, I've had enough for now." I said, completely convinced that it was true.