Chapter 3

Emily stared blankly at the TV, a week after the break up and her third day in a row wearing Sophia's oversized pajamas. The bottle of wine on the coffee table was already half empty.

Sophia bustled into the living room, keys jangling. "Alright, Em. Enough wallowing. We're going out tonight."

Emily groaned. "I don't think I can face people yet. My mascara's probably fused to my face at this point."

"That's why showers exist, honey." Sophia plopped down next to her. "Come on, a few drinks will do you good. Get you out of this funk."

Emily's stomach churned at the thought. But Sophia's determined look told her resistance was futile. "Fine. But I'm not wearing heels. Or anything that requires a bra."

"Deal." Sophia grinned. "We'll hit up The Iron Horse. No one there gives a shit what you look like."

As they got ready, Emily caught her reflection in the mirror. Christ, I look like death warmed over. But maybe that was fitting. The old Emily had died the moment she opened that office door.

"You know what?" Emily said, yanking a brush through her tangled hair. "Fuck it. Let's go get absolutely shitfaced."

Sophia whooped, jumping up to run to her wardrobe. "That's my girl! Operation Forget That Cheating Bastard is a go."

Emily managed a small smile. The anger felt good - better than the numbness of the past few days.

Sophia flung open her closet doors with a flourish, revealing a kaleidoscope of colours and fabrics. "Trust me, Em. I've got just the thing."

Emily sighed, slouching on the edge of the bed. Her fingers absently traced the intricate stitching on Sophia's duvet. "Soph, I appreciate the effort, but I'm really not in the mood for—"

"Aha!" Sophia exclaimed, emerging from the depths of her wardrobe with a black dress. She held it up triumphantly. "This little number is perfect. No bra required, and it'll look killer with those Timbs you love so much."

Emily eyed the dress sceptically. It was simple, yet undeniably stylish – a slinky, off-the-shoulder number that would hug her curves in all the right places. She had to admit, it did have potential.

"Fine," Emily conceded, grabbing the dress. "But I'm not promising I'll enjoy myself."

As she slipped into the dress, Emily caught a glimpse of herself in the full-length mirror. The fabric clung to her body, accentuating her figure in a way that made her feel... powerful. She straightened her posture, a flicker of confidence igniting within her.

Sophia grinned, brandishing a makeup brush like a magic wand. "Now, let's add a little sparkle to those gorgeous green eyes of yours."

Emily closed her eyes, allowing Sophia to work her magic. As the soft brush swept across her lids, she found herself relaxing for the first time in days. The familiar scent of Sophia's perfume – a mix of jasmine and vanilla – enveloped her, bringing back memories of countless nights getting ready together.

"There," Sophia declared, stepping back to admire her handiwork. "You look absolutely stunning, darling."

Emily opened her eyes, turning to face the mirror once more. She barely recognized the woman staring back at her – confident, radiant, and undeniably beautiful.

"I... wow," she breathed, a small smile tugging at her lips.

Sophia squeezed her shoulder. "You don't have to flirt or do anything you're not comfortable with tonight, Em. This is about you feeling good about yourself."

Emily nodded, her throat tight with emotion. "I know, it's just... I'm not sure I'm ready to put myself out there again."

"Fuck that noise," Sophia declared, her hazel eyes blazing with fierce protectiveness. "You're not putting yourself out there for anyone but you. You look amazing, you are amazing, and tonight is about celebrating that. Fuck everyone else."

Emily laughed, a genuine sound that surprised even her. "You're right," she said, squaring her shoulders. "Fuck everyone else."

As they headed out the door, Emily felt a surge of gratitude for her best friend. Maybe, just maybe, tonight wouldn't be so bad after all.

Emily tugged at the hem of her dress, feeling exposed despite the boots grounding her. "So, where exactly are we going?"

Sophia jangled her keys, a mischievous glint in her hazel eyes. "The Iron Horse. It's this badass biker bar."

"A biker bar? Seriously?" Emily's eyebrows shot up, her stomach doing a little flip.

"Trust me, it's perfect," Sophia said, ushering Emily out the door. "No one there gives a shit about your drama. Plus, the chances of running into any nosy fuckers from work are practically zero."

Emily hesitated on the porch, the cool night air prickling her skin. Part of her wanted to bolt back inside, curl up on the couch with a pint of ice cream and wallow. But Sophia's determined grin and the promise of anonymity tugged at her.

"Fine," Emily sighed, following Sophia to the waiting taxi. "But if anyone asks why I look like I've been hit by a truck, I'm blaming you."

Sophia snorted. "Please, you look hot as hell. And if anyone dares to give you shit, I'll personally kick their ass."

As they climbed into the taxi, Emily's mind raced. The Iron Horse. It sounded rough, dangerous even. Nothing like the posh cocktail bars she usually frequented... She pushed the thought away, anger flaring in her chest.

"You better not be trying to set me up with some leather-clad biker," Emily warned as Sophia pulled out of the driveway.

"Relax, Em. Tonight's about you feeling like a badass, not hooking up. Though if some hot piece of ass catches your eye, I won't judge."

Emily rolled her eyes, but felt a tiny spark of excitement ignite in her belly. Maybe this was exactly what she needed – a night of rebellion, of shedding her perfect image and embracing the mess she'd become.

As they drove towards the outskirts of town, Emily's resolve strengthened. Fuck Ryan. Fuck his lies and his pathetic excuses. Tonight, she was going to drink, dance, and not give a single shit about anything else.

Emily's hand tightened around Sophia's as they approached The Iron Horse. The neon sign buzzed and flickered, casting an eerie glow on their faces.

"C'mon, Em! Let's make an entrance," Sophia grinned, tugging Emily's arm.

Before Emily could protest, Sophia twirled her, the dress flaring out. For a split second, Emily forgot about Ryan and his betrayal. She laughed, the sound surprising her.

"That's my girl," Sophia winked, pushing open the heavy wooden door.