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I see hi "Suit yourself" They get back to loading, and not twentyI’ve ever owned

What the hell have I done?

I should be panicked, watching everything disappear, but instead, I feel a burst of adrenaline, relief puone, all of it My car is packed with s I didn’t want to part with But the rest of it?

It’s not h bubble up inaithout any of it I could have sold it off, used the money to start inning

This is it for me, a fresh start, and now I can do it withoutto leave

I slowly slide the engageer It sparkles atI picked it out n and clarity of the diamond, I always loved what it represented So their life with I belonged to so to so on the table by the door, and lock the door behindof so new

"Oh reet h the door of my friend Suzie’s penthouse apart!"

"So do you," I s!"

And she is Her baby bu now, and I feel a stab of envy to see her so excited and radiant

"Oh, it’s nothing" Suzie waves offblonde hair and gives a dra to the bathroo You’ll see, when you and Alexander get started on your own," she adds, pullingroom before I can reply "Everybody, look who’s here!"

There’s a chorus of greetings All lossy and i white sectionals and sipping iced tea I feel their eyes on ht away I’m reminded what it’s like with this crowd: how everyone is always on their best behavior, and any weakness is always targeted with a shter, still holding the baby gift basket I picked up on my way over I send silent thanks that I blew outand picked out my most stylish wrap dress and heels

"Hi y’all!" I wave, painting on a bright sreat to see you"

"We missed you!" Mindy, who rules the lunch scene with an iron fist, bobs up and air-kisses me on both cheeks "But look at you, you look fabulous"

"You’ll have to tell us about this spa," another friend of mine, Alexis, adds "You must have lost, like, ten pounds! Bitch," she adds with a sunny grin "Kidding!"