Chapter 42
Though the trip home from Adams University wasn’t far, Sarah felt unusually drained today.
Back home, she couldn’t even muster the energy to make dinner. Instead, she grabbed a beer from the fridge and curled up on the
couch.
She felt agitated.
For reasons she couldn’t quite explain.
She knew with certainty that she no longer loved James – if anything, she despised him.
But since the divorce, his constant appearances and attempts to challenge her boundaries left her feeling irritated, even
‘nauseated.
Nauseated that she’d once been blind enough to fall for such a man.
The alcohol slid down her throat to her stomach, gradually numbing her frustration.
Suddenly, her phone rang. (1)
She pressed answer.
“Babe, come out! There’s this amazing new bar that just opened on the East Coast!”
Sarah thought for a moment before replying, “Send me the location.”
Stepping out of the taxi, Sarah stood in the cool breeze, looking up at the bar’s neon sign. She couldn’t quite make out the French
text, but the decor suited her taste.
“Sasa!” Scarlett’s voice called out.
Sarah looked over to see Scarlett running toward her, immediately wrapping her in a bear hug.
After planting a loud kiss on Sarah’s cheek, Scarlett stepped back to assess her outfit, immediately frowning:
“Sasa, is this what you’re wearing to a bar? Really?”
A simple white tee, light jeans, and white canvas shoes – hardly club attire.
Scarlett clutched her chest dramatically. “Ugh, that jerk James totally ruined you! If I ever catch him, I’ll wring his neck. He
drowned the old Sasa in the toilet of marriage!”
Sarah poked her forehead in annoyance. “Stop talking nonsense! I just had a long day at work and was too lazy to change.”
Seeing Sarah’s irritation, Scarlett stuck out her tongue playfully, linking arms with her. “Okay, okay, I’m just teasing. I’ve got us
1/2
a booth reserved. Let’s head in!”
They each ordered specialty cocktails. Noticing Sarah’s subdued mood, Scarlett, being a longtime friend, sensed something was bothering her. But if Sarah didn’t want to talk about it, she wouldn’t pry. They settled comfortably in their booth, casually
sharing recent stories.
They didn’t notice the men in the next booth repeatedly glancing their way.
Scarlett was petite and striking, with thick waves cascading over her shoulders, her cami top and shorts showcasing her figure.
Sarah, sitting across from her, was even more stunning. Despite her simple attire, she commanded attention.
“Ladies, care to have a drink with our boss?”
Their gossip was interrupted by a sleazy male voice.
Sarah looked up to find an overweight man flanked by two tattooed cronies standing at their table, looking menacing.
Sarah’s eyes grew cold as she frowned. “Not interested.”
Her tone left no room for discussion.
Scarlett smirked at the thugs. They’d picked the wrong target tonight.
What they didn’t know was that before marrying that jerk James Chancer, Sarah had been notorious for single handedly taking on
an entire street of troublemakers.
The commotion drew onlookers, but no one noticed two distinguished men entering the bar.
Steven spotted Sarah and Scarlett immediately upon entering. He turned to the elegant man beside him: “Boss, isn’t that your
secret crush, Miss Sanders?”
