“No, I hope the baby takes after you,” Liam says, voice still blaring from the speaker. “I hope it’s kind and smart and gorgeous, just like its mother.”

“No,” Becky answers, “I hope it’s strong and intelligent and brave. Like its father.”

I roll my eyes so hard I feel dizzy, shooting Mysti an incredulous look.

You believe this shit? my face says.

Her pained smile informs me that no, she cannot.

Sammi chuckles into her receiver, laughing girlishly at some shark joke Lock’s just told.

Or at least I assume that’s what it was about. Honestly, it’s damn near painful to listen to this gushy stuff for too long.

This little plan has really backfired.

If anything, watching my girls ooze emotion into their phones has only put me further off marriage, which I didn’t think was even possible.

I look to Mysti, seeing similar thoughts on her face.

This is not for us.

I tilt my head toward the side, a silent invitation which she readily accepts with an answering nod.

Let’s get the fuck out of here.

We sneak away to the sounds of Becky damn near swooning, Sammi not far behind.

I love my girls, truly I do, but when they get all sappy like this, I need my distance.

Or a drink. Maybe both.

When we’re an appropriate distance from the love fest, I look to Mysti. “Well, that was ridiculous.”

“I know! Could they be anymore lovey?”

I raise an eyebrow. “Well, I was talking more about their little intervention.”

She looks doubtfully back at me.

“You really don’t think that was bullshit?” I ask.

Guilt flashes across her face.

“Honestly, Perce, I think they were just trying to help.”

“Since when do I need help?” I wave my hands over my own body for emphasis. “It’s me, Mysti. I don’t need anyone. I thought you guys would understand that by now.”

“I do!”

I roll my eyes. “Oh, really? So then what’s with the intervention?”

“It’s just…well, Anton isn’t just anyone, Percy. It’s obvious you have feelings for him. We just didn’t want you to regret not giving him a chance.”

“I did give him a chance. I gave him the same chance as any other guy I date—a chance to have fun, a chance to cut loose. It’s not my fault he couldn’t accept it when it was over.”

She shrugs dramatically.

“All I’m saying is, it seemed different. You seemed different. And Anton really seems to love you. Just don’t take that lightly, alright? Some of us never get to be loved like that.”

I stop walking, turning to her in surprise.

“Some of us, like you?” I ask.

She laughs. “You know as much about my dating history as anyone. Don’t act surprised.”

“Oh, Mysti.” I lay a hand on her shoulder. “Fuck your history. You can have anyone you want. You just keep picking the losers.”

She giggles at that. “Oh fuck, Percy, I really do.”

“Well, then stop. If you want what Becky and Sam have, you can have it.”

“I don’t think so…” she trails off.

“Why the fuck not?”

“I don’t know,” she says. “Maybe there just isn’t someone for me.”

I can’t help but groan.

Of all the myths surrounding love, this might just be my least favorite. The idea that, somewhere on this planet, there’s a right person for you just boggles my mind. Eight billion people floating around on a rock, and we each only get one?

Fuck that. I’d be willing to bet that there are hundreds, if not thousands of Mr. and Mrs. Rights for every person on the planet.

At any given time, there are multiple people that we’re compatible with.

Hell, I’ve done the leg work. I can say for sure that if anything, there are too many someone’s floating around.

“Don’t be fucking ridiculous, Mysti. You’ve probably got ten soul mates in this city alone.”

“You think?”

“I’m positive. Just try not to pick the biggest asshole in the bunch, okay?”

She smiles, the dread in her eyes clearing up.

“Okay.”

I link my arm through hers, pulling her back into a stroll.

“Now, back to me…”

“Of course.”

“How are we gonna get back at the girls for the little stunt they just pulled?”

I feel my face pulling into a mischievous grin as Mysti chuckles.

“Ah, come on, they were just trying to give you another perspective.”

“Because there’s something wrong with mine?”

“Not—not wrong. Just…limited.”

“And they thought Lock and Liam would actually broaden my horizons?”

“Well, it was worth a shot.”

“Agree to disagree.”

She doesn’t bother responding. Frankly, I’m relieved. I’m getting a little bored of bickering with everyone.

The sooner they all accept my decision, the better. And that goes double for Anton.

Mysti suddenly stops walking, her eyes gluing to a spot in the distance.

I follow her line of sight, only a little surprised when I see him.

She leans in close, whispering conspiratorially.

“Percy, its—”

“Yeah, I know.”

“It’s Anton.”

“Yeah, Mysti, I see him.”

He stands idly at the intersection ahead, looking far better than he has any right to. My stomach clenches at the sight of him, heart beat picking up pace.

I feel Mysti push lightly on my shoulder.

“Well, go talk to him, Perce.”

I stare daggers at her.

“Didn’t we like just go over this?”

“But he’s your husband!”

“I really wish everyone would stop calling him that.”

She reaches down, linking her fingers with my own.

“Well, too bad. That’s what he is,” she says, pulling on my hand as she begins to walk toward him.

“Mysti, knock it off!” I shout-whisper, trying to pull back against her.

Fuck, this girl’s a lot stronger than I would’ve guessed.

“Just come on, Percy. You know you want to.”

I know no such thing, no matter what my body seems to think.

My heart hammers against my ribs as we near, my pussy tingling at the sight of him. Images from last night rush unbidden into my head.

I see us in his car, hearing my own voice like an echo.

Husband.

I want nothing more than to run screaming from this place. Somehow, though, my struggles cease as we near him.

Now I can’t even trust my own legs.

A smile pulls at his lips, and it’s all I can do not to melt.

Time creeps to a still as we get into range of him, every detail of his face standing out with captivating clarity.

I force air into my lungs, willing myself to remain calm—detached.

I truly thought that after suicide jumping from his car, we were through with all this. Now facing him again, I feel completely overwhelmed.

Reluctantly, I find myself in front of him, my eyes taking in his form with traitorous appreciation.

Despite my wishes, I can’t seem to stop staring at my husband.