The door slammed so hard, Amber nearly knocked over her ring light.
"Jesus, Brie!" she gasped, scrambling to mute her live makeup tutorial. "You scared the contour off my face."
Brie stood in the doorway, chest heaving, lips trembling. Her eyes were glassy, and her fists clenched.
Amber stepped forward, concern replacing irritation. "What happened this time?"
Brie dropped her bag and sank onto the couch. "They walked in together."
Amber blinked. "Who?"
"Jeff and Libby. They were at the restaurant with their arms wrapped around each other like they were the damn prom king and queen."
Amber's jaw tightened. "You're kidding. Hold up. I thought you went for your group study session."
Brie groaned inwardly and sighed dejectedly. "Yeah, I did, and afterwards, we decided to grab a meal."
"Oh," Amber nodded as she wrapped her head around the information. "There's no way he would wrap his arm around her, though I mean, didn't he just tell you nothing was going on between the two of them just today?" Amber looked stunned. Her expression changed to anger and undisguised irritation at Jeff's behavior.
Brie shook her head. "Libby was clinging to him like she owned him. And he—he didn't even flinch or create any distance. I'm sure it's made way to the school socials because people were taking pictures, and my course mates were even swooning."
Amber sat beside her. "Did he see you?"
"Oh, he saw me. Then, he pulled away from her like it was nothing. Then walked up to me all casual, Gosh, it was so annoying, and I didn't want to cause a scene, so I played along. But I was boiling deep inside."
Amber exhaled sharply. "I swear, if I ever catch that girl alone—"
"It's not her."
Amber's eyes shot up at Brie's. "What do you mean it's not her? She's shamelessly seducing him every time she gets together, despite knowing he is in a relationship with you. Hell, no. I'm going to teach that girl a lesson." She fumed.
Brie sighed. "Let's not resort to that way of thinking. Yes—she's seducing him, but Jeff—He should know better. Don't you think? I can't help but think that he enjoys it."
"You're damn well right. He surely enjoys it, and I can bet my savings, he is cheating with her."
Brie cut in. "He says he loves me, and Jeff would never cheat on me, Amber. I know him. It's just that lately… I don't know. He doesn't take my feelings seriously anymore, and we keep arguing over the same things all the time. This isn't the Jeff I met two years ago." She sighed, sinking deeper into the couch.
Amber stayed quiet, letting her speak.
"Back then, he was gentle. Thoughtful. He'd drive me to class, check in on me, and make me feel safe. Now it's pressure. Pressure to be intimate. Pressure to accept his excuses. Pressure to ignore how he acts around Libby."
Amber's eyes softened. "You've changed, Brie. You've grown. Maybe he hasn't. You're no longer the nineteen-year-old he met, and if he thinks you're going to remain that way forever, then he needs to think again."
Brie looked down. "He keeps saying it's his job, and I get that he is always around lots of beautiful wome,n too. I really do but it's getting unbearable. I got admirers too, and I don't even let them get beyond ten feet."
Amber reached for her hand. "I know, and you don't have to carry this alone."
Brie squeezed her fingers. "Honestly, though. Do you think I'm overreactingg?"
Amber shook her head. "I would be doing worse if I were in your shoes right now. Besides, how would he feel if you had a man sending you pictures and messages about your times together? I don't care, it sounds corny."
"You're the only one who really gets me." Brie sighed.
Amber smiled. "Of course I do. We've been through hell together."
Brie nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "The orphanage…"
Amber leaned back, eyes distant. "We were twelve when we met. Both dumped into that place like forgotten luggage."
Brie chuckled bitterly. "Nobody wanted the older kids. Everyone came looking for babies."
They laughed and suddenly kept quiet as their gaze travelled to the past.
Amber's voice was steady. "So we stuck together. Made a pact. No matter what, we'd make it out, and make something of ourselves."
Brie smiled faintly. "We did."
Amber nodded. Scholarship at sixteen. Left that place with nothing but a duffel bag and dreams."
Brie's eyes misted. "One room in the Bronx. Cold winters. Ramen dinners. Odd jobs. School. Hustle."
Amber grinned. "And now look at us. You're about to defend your final project. The school is dropping names for the top three companies. You're on that list, Brie."
Brie blinked. "You think so?"
Amber scoffed. "Come o, girl, I know so. You're brilliant, focused. You've worked too hard to let some gym rat and his clingy sidekick derail you."
Brie laughed softly. "Gym rat?" And rolled her eyes.
Amber smirked. "I'm being polite."
Brie laughed and leaned into her. "Thanks."
Amber stood. "You're close, Brie. The exams, the panels, the interviews — they're coming. You can't afford to be emotionally wrecked right now."
Brie nodded slowly. "You're right."
Amber opened her mouth to say more, but the doorbell rang.
They both froze.
Amber raised a brow. "You expecting someone?"
Brie shook her head. So, Amber stood and walked to the door, peeking through the peephole.
She turned back, eyes wide, and whispered.
"It's Jeff."
Brie's heart dropped.
Amber crossed her arms. "Want me to tell him you're not home?"
Brie stood slowly, her voice low.
"No. I'll handle it." She sighed.
Amber stepped aside as Brie reached for the doorknob and opened the door.