No Second Chances Ex-husband (Lauren and Ethan) novel Chapter 54

LAUREN'S POV

And just like always, the meal tasted amazing. Tessa had this uncanny way of making food that somehow felt like more than just food, it was like she seasoned it with comfort itself. Even in the worst moments of my life, she knew how to put something in front of me that lifted my spirits.

“How was it?” she asked, her eyes bright with that familiar curiosity, leaning forward as though the answer would decide her whole morning.

I gave her a slow, amused look, the kind that clearly said, Do you seriously have to ask me that? Then I finally let the words out.

“The meal was nice,” I said, placing my fork down carefully and dabbing at my lips with a napkin. “You even added carrots to my eggs. I think I enjoyed that the most—it gave the eggs this sweet little crunch.”

But I tilted my head at her, because I knew her far too well. “That being said… ever since you walked in here with this perfect little breakfast tray, I’ve had the distinct feeling you were buttering me up for something. So…” I leaned back slightly, crossing my arms, “…what is it?”

She gasped, putting a hand over her chest in mock offense. “Come on! How could you say something like that? I made this specially for you because you’re my friend.”

“Exactly my point,” I replied, one brow arched. “We’ve been friends for years, Tessa, and this is not the first time you’ve tried this trick on me. You only stopped because I got married and moved out. Now I’m back here and suddenly breakfast in bed is back on the menu. So, I’ll ask you again — what is it?”

She pressed her lips together, clearly fighting to keep her expression neutral. For a moment I thought she might keep denying it, but then her shoulders dropped in defeat and she let out a long sigh.

“You’re right. There’s something.” She gave a sheepish little smile and reached up to rub the back of her neck, a nervous habit she’d never grown out of.

“I knew it,” I said, leaning forward now, curious. “It’s not money, because you know I’m broke, and that’s usually what you asked me for before I fell from grace to grass. So… for the third time, Tess, what is it?”

She hesitated, looking at me like she was measuring my mood, then said carefully, “Well… I didn’t want to tell you immediately because I didn’t want you to think of it as me being selfish. I want you to understand this is just… a bad coincidence, okay?”

I narrowed my eyes but nodded for her to go on. “Alright. I’m listening.”

“Okay, so… about two weeks ago, right around when you first moved in here with Elena.”

At the mention of her name, my chest tightened instinctively. The sound of it coming from someone else always felt heavier now, like my mind couldn’t help replaying her smile, her voice, her laugh. For a brief moment, I almost told her to skip that part, but I stayed quiet.

Tessa took a breath and continued, “I got a VIP invite from the owner of Outer Heaven Club himself.”

Tessa’s expression brightened, like I had just cracked the code she’d been hinting at. “Yes! Exactly. And like I said before, I really don’t want you to think I’m being selfish about this. But Lauren, this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. There are certain experiences that come only once, and this is one of them. Please, I don’t want to miss it. I’ve been dying to step foot inside that place for years.”

I sighed softly, leaning back against the headboard, the mattress dipping slightly beneath my weight. “Tessa, I don’t think you’re selfish. With everything you’ve done for me in the last few days, I’d be the last person to ever use that word on you.” My gaze softened as I placed my hand gently on her shoulder. “It’s literally because of you that Elena was buried at all and not just buried, but buried with dignity. You paid for that. You helped me when no one else could, and I won’t forget it. So please… don’t ever think I believe you’re selfish.”

Her eyes lit up with hope, and she leaned forward slightly. “So that means you’re gonna come with me?”

I let the smallest pause linger before replying. “No.”

Her jaw dropped. “What? Why?”

I took a breath, choosing my words carefully. “Tess, you know me. You know I’ve never been the clubbing type, the makeup, the short skirts, the exposing tops. That’s just not me. And it’s not just about clothes, it’s about the whole… scene. The music so loud you can’t hear yourself think, the crowd pressing in, the drinks, the strangers. I’ve never been into that since the first day you met me back in college. That’s not how I enjoy myself.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but I raised my hand slightly to stop her.

“I’d rather stay back,” I continued firmly, “and actually plan something useful for my future. Ethan might have taken some of my years, yes… but I assure you, I still have a bright future ahead of me. And I’m not about to waste my time pretending I’m someone I’m not. I’ve already lost too much to him and I’m not about to lose more to a night that I won’t even care about in the morning. What I need now is focus.”