A S T R I D

Nerves hitting the roof as all of us were running around ensuring everything was perfect. I met Blaire's parents who were wonderful people; cheerful. It was understood where her personality was from. They didn't stay though, only checking in to see everything was up to standard and not a mess. Imagine how I felt, knowing that Blaire's parents deemed me a great friend. Giddiness flutters around in my brain making me feel almost lightheaded.

However, all feeling was lost when they hugged and shook hands with Noah for putting out such a big effort to make their little girl's twenty-seventh birthday special. I knew his motive was to come off as the perfect fiancé so Blaire isn't suspicious of his sin. Little does he know. There was a tightness in my chest and the irritating itching of my hand. My eyes landed on the door of the club. Gio hadn't arrived yet. Tilting my head back, feeling the burn of the strong drink sliding down my throat. I was now able to tolerate the rest of the night until they both got here.

The plan was to have Blaire believe it was a family dinner at a secluded place. My legs were constantly bouncing up and down in anticipation of her reaction when she finds out the truth. Not having to wait anymore, the lights flicked off, the quiet scrambling of feet across the room and hushed tones as they went to their respective hiding places.

The door opened and I almost burst out laughing when Blaire asked why it was so dark. Gio had to feign a complain that the 'workers' were incompetent and they would lose their jobs for sure. The lights were turned back on which was our cue to jump out wishing her a happy birthday.

She shrieked in shock, her hand to her chest as her eyes roamed around the room. Her smile got bigger when her eyes landed on me. Noah came to her side, smiling like a dutiful fiancé and wishing her a happy birthday. She must have practised the smile a million times because she convincingly looked appreciative for his surprise. It was either that or she actually loved him and was willing to set aside his flaws and accept him regardless.

Catching me off guard, her arms were thrown over my shoulders, her face pressed to the side of my head.

"Thank you so much, Astrid." She grinned from ear to ear. Turning to the mingling people in the room, "Let's get this party started!"

Upbeat music blaring through the speakers, bouncing off the walls, Blaire and I were swaying our bodies together on top of tables. Gio hadn't stayed long; he was gone after the birthday song. The birthday girl was now dancing in the arms of her unfaithful fiancé. Adoration in both of their eyes as he twirled her in a circle and pulled her towards him. Back pressed against his chest, whispering all the right things in her ear.

My eyes caught Jer dancing with a black haired fellow. That reminded me, I wanted them to meet so they can realize just how similar they were. Excusing him from the guy, I pulled him to Blaire.

"Hey, I want you to meet my best friend and roommate, Jeremy. Jer, this is—" He cut me off during the introductions.

"The best friend stealing whore," he accused, teasing her. Blaire looked at him, eyes wide in alarm looking between me and Jeremy.

"Well, bitch, she's my best friend now. Soon, she'll be my sister when she marries my cousin after screwing his brains out." I go to stop her from talking anymore nonsense.

"The hunk boss is your cousin? Ha! So, do they actually work or do they just fuck like rabbits? Because this hoe ain't telling me a damn thing." Jeremy, looks at me from head to toe and rolls his eyes sassily.

Blaire laughs, throwing her hand around his shoulder, the two walking away from us to discuss my sexual life. There wasn't a doubt in my mind they wouldn't get along on their first meeting. In no time, they would forget about my existence unless they wanted me to spill the tea of my relationship with my boss. I love them though.

Although people were quickly retiring to their homes, the party was a blast. My eardrums were accustomed to the thumping of the bass of the music. My attention was grabbed seeing Noah trying to leave the party without being seen. Blaire stopped him, probably questioning his abrupt departure. His mouth started moving, I could smell the bullshit from the other side of the room. The guilty intent was clear as day on his face while he fed her any excuse he thought was plausible.

She nods, even though she knew he was lying and let him leave. Her head turned and we made eye contact, the corner of her lips turned down. She marched in my direction sitting on the stool beside me around the bar.

She faces me, pain in her eyes and a smile as wide as the Joker. "He just remembered he had a very important thing at work he had to file before morning. He's so ambitious."

She knew it was bullshit by the sarcasm lacing in her voice. My heart bled for her. I wanted to hug her but I knew that would result in tears. Tears were not what she needed right now on her birthday. Of all the days he decided to take care of his 'work thing', the idiot thought it was a brilliant idea to do it on his supposed fianceé's birthday. I rested my hand on top of hers and nodded my head, letting her know it was okay and she had me.

This day was supposed to be a day of celebration with friends and loved ones. It started off with a bang and I'd be damned if it didn't end the same way.

We raise our hands signaling the bartender, "Tequila!"

24/01/22

Au revoir.....

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