Sitting at the bar with Lila, I swirled the ice in my mocktail, a poor substitute for the real deal but a necessary one given my current condition. Lila had ordered one too, raising her glass in a mock-toast to solidarity.

"I can't believe all of this is happening," I sighed, the tumult of emotions churning inside me. "Part of me is furious with Alex for just storming off like that."

Lila nodded, her green eyes full of understanding. "And the other part?"

I took a sip, the ...