Janet

I knew I should have told them that René was coming, but the tension was already so high. Part of me also hoped he'd change his mind. He hated the kids and never cared much for me spending time with them.

Gil hadn't said much since our argument. I knew he wasn't mad at me—just frustrated and worried. Still, I kept quiet for the rest of the time.

Soon enough, we were on our way to the club.

The spot was jam-packed, people pressed wall to wall. We walked right in, of course—they never made us pay cover whenever I came. Before we even reached the dance floor, the DJ announced that I was in the building, and the crowd roared.

God, I hated when they did that. It made it so hard to just be normal and have fun with my friends.

Gil slipped up beside me and took my hand. He knew how nervous crowds like this made me. I smiled, and together we moved through the sea of people.

"You look amazing, by the way," he said with a smile.

"You too, kid." I kissed his cheek. He really was my best friend. Sometimes I didn't know what I'd do without him.

Tish, Tina, and a few of the others pushed past us, heading straight for the dance floor.

"Come on, girl—let's go work it out!"

Gil looped his arm through mine and grabbed Shawn's hand.

Everyone had a drink in hand and was having an amazing time. Somehow, I'd completely forgotten about René.

⸻

Shawn

The moment she grabbed my hand, I never wanted her to let it go.

We hit the dance floor, and suddenly it felt like it was just us—like the rest of the room disappeared. Janet pulled me closer, then turned around, grinding against me. I instinctively took hold of her hips, holding on tight.

She reached back, her hands finding their way to the back of my head. I could feel her fingertips on my neck, sending chills through me. I wasn't being shy either—my hands slid down her thighs and back up again, feeling her skin through the lace of her dress.

She felt incredible.

And the way she moved, the way she didn't pull away... she didn't seem to mind at all.

I noticed René first.

My stomach dropped as I looked over at Gil. The moment he saw my face, he walked over to me. I nodded in René's direction.

"The fuck is he doing here?"

That caught Janet's attention. She stopped dancing and looked at both of us.

"I know I should've said something," she said quickly. "Believe me when I say I didn't want him here."

I felt the anger flare in my chest. I turned and walked away.

"Shawn—" Janet reached for my hand, but I pulled away and kept going.

Everyone had a drink in their hand except me. I figured now was as good a time as any. I grabbed one from the bar and took a long sip, then glanced back toward the dance floor.

Janet and Gil were arguing.

And then René approached them.

⸻

Janet

"Gil, please stop," I said urgently. "He's coming."

I searched the crowd for Shawn, but I didn't see her anywhere. I wished she had stayed by my side. She made me feel safe.

I looked again—and Gil had walked away too.

René was moving toward me fast. I could tell by his stride that he'd already had a few drinks before arriving.

"There's my wife."

He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me into him. I forced a smile, trying to hide how upset I was. He started moving to the music, rubbing against me. Pushing my hair aside, he kissed my neck.

I felt disgusted. And embarrassed.

"René, baby," I said softly, trying to keep my voice steady. "Let's go sit down. My feet kinda hurt in these heels."

As we reached the VIP section, everyone else was already there. Gil and Shawn both looked irritated, but the rest of the group raised their glasses, greeting him like nothing was wrong.

René was loud—obnoxious—but no one else seemed to care.

Tish snapped a picture of the two of us.

No one had seen us together in a while, but no one seemed to question it. I noticed a woman weaving through the crowd toward us, smiling as she drew closer.

I assumed she was a fan—someone coming over to say hello, maybe ask for a picture or an autograph. René stood abruptly and held out his hand.

"No. She won't be dealing with any fans tonight."

"René—don't do that!" I snapped.

I turned to her quickly. "Please forgive my husband."

"Oh no, it's okay," she said warmly. "It's actually really cool to meet you, Janet. I'm a huge fan—but I was really coming over to ask her if she'd like to dance with me."

She pointed toward Shawn.

"Oh..." I glanced over at Shawn.

"Yeah," Shawn said with a smile. "I'd love to."

"I'm Amelia."

"Shawn."

Amelia took her hand and pulled her toward the dance floor. I watched them from where I sat—laughing, flirting, Amelia pressing close to her. Shawn looked completely into it.

For a moment, I almost forgot René was even there—until he yelled at a passing waiter for another drink.

"Can we just go home, baby?" he slurred.

I dabbed at my eyes with a napkin. I didn't want to be there anymore.

René stood unsteadily, and I took his hand, already calling my driver as we made our way out.

"Preston," I said quietly into the phone, "can you please come pick me up please?"