„I need to ask for a favor.“ [Cupcake]

„Anything you want.“ [Josh]

„The therapist just called me. We agreed starting the first session tomorrow. [Cupcake]

„This are good news. I’m proud of you that you’re doing the step. [Josh]

„I asked her to do virtual meetings and she agreed.“ [Cupcake]

„Why virtual?“ [Josh]

„Because I want to go to Daytona for a while and focus on myself. [Cupcake]

„Of course, honey. I think it makes sense.“ [Josh]

„Can I stay at your apartment?“ [Cupcake]

„Eve, you don’t have to ask for permission. This is your apartment, as well.“ [Josh]

„You’re sweet saying that. Thank you.“ [Cupcake]

„I’ll miss you and Jake.“ [Josh]

Eve started crying as she read Josh’s last message. She knew it would break his heart into pieces when she told him the truth about Jake. She didn’t have the courage doing it right now and needed time to find out how to explain.

„We’ll miss you, too.“ [Cupcake]

Justin just landed in Vancouver as his phone started ringing. As he checked the display, his heart dropped. It was Eve. Immediately he picked up. 

„Baby, I’m so sorry…“ He apologized, before she had the chance saying anything. „I love you. And I’m not done with us. I gave you my blessing having sex with C and that’s why I had no right blaming you for anything. Still it hurt me that it happened. For some reason I didn’t expect that. That’s why I gave you a tough time.“

Justin’s bad conscience was killing him. But he didn’t have the courage telling her what happened with Jessica the prior night.

„We are good. Please don’t worry.“ Eve replied calmly. 

„I just landed in Vancouver. I would have called you when I reached the hotel. I really didn’t mean to ghost you or something.“

„I’m relieved to hear that.“ 

„Are you okay? You sound so sad.“

„I wanted to tell you something.“

„What is it?“ 

„I’m going to Daytona for few days to sort my mind and will stay in Josh’s apartment.“

„Is he coming with you?“ 

„No, I wanna spend some time alone.“

„Why?“

„I’m starting therapy, Justin. And I believe it’s the best when I’m on my own for a while to figure things out.“ 

„Oh… okay… I understand. I guess it makes sense…“

„I hope some professional help will help me finding back to myself and sorting the chaos in my mind… and my heart.“ 

„Surely it will, honey.“

„So, you’re okay with this?“ 

„Of course I am.“

„Thank you.“

„Can I still call you or write?“ 

„Sure you can.“

„Okay.“

„I love you.“

„Same here, beautiful.“

„Have a good time in Canada.“

„I will.“ 

The same night Josh was sitting at his sofa with a glass of Bourbon in his hand and missing Eve already. He supported her idea making a break from life and focusing on her therapy. He did the same as he was trying to get his memory back. But not seeing her and Jake in the next days made him fell miserable. 

He put his glass aside and grabbed his phone. He wanted to call Eve to wish her a good night but then he decided calling Justin first. 

„You have nerves calling.“ Justin said annoyed. 

He returned from a TV gig to his hotel suite and just finished having a shower. 

„Why would you say that?“ 

„You asshole banged my girlfriend.“ 

„I banged my wife.“

„Did you just call to brag?“ 

„I’m not bragging.“

„I banged my wife.“ Justin repeated, imitating Josh’s voice. 

Josh chuckled boldly. 

„Why are you upset? You told me you’re fine with a triangle.“ He teased. 

„Is this what is happening here?! Because no one informed me!“ Justin complained. 

„It’s not. But I guess this is how things work in a triangle, right? I’d have her whenever I want and you’d have her whenever I agree.“ Josh teased him a little more.

„Fuck you.“

„Sorry, T. But sex with me is not included.“ 

Justin rolled his eyes. 

„Are you finished making fun of me?“

„Absolutely not.“ 

„I hang up now.“ 

„That’s fine. Just say we’re good.“

„No, we aren’t.“

„T…“

„You seduced her!“ 

„She seduced me!“ 

„Poor you!“ 

„Dude, you told her you’re okay with that. I know you lied but honestly, that’s your problem not mine.“ 

„You should have a bad conscience at least!“ 

„Excuse me, but do I really need to remind you, that it was you who took her away from me?“ 

„Because you didn’t want her!“

„I had amnesia!“

Justin deeply sighed, realizing it made no sense what they were doing. 

„I still think we should do the triangle.“ He said. 

„T… I’m not good in sharing. You should know that.“ 

„It worked pretty good in bed.“ 

I already told you, I’m fine with the sex. But I can't deal with the rest.“

Eve just finished her first session with Dr. Brown, while Jake was making a nap. She liked her therapist from the start and opened up to her quickly. Dr. Brown asked a lot of general questions about Eve to get to know her and also asked about her own expectations. She supported Eve’s decision making a break and focusing on therapy in the next couple of days. They agreed doing sessions on a daily base during that time. 

Jake woke up short time later. 

„You slept too long and won’t be tired for bedtime. What about catching some fresh air?“ Eve talked to her baby and kissed his chubby cheeks. 

He giggled happily and made her heart melt.

Eve was wearing light pink sweat pants and a random white shirt. Her hair was braided and she didn’t use any make-up. She decided there was no need putting any further effort into her look, while being in Daytona. 

With Jake in his stroller, she made a walk along the boardwalk and reached a small café after few minutes. She decided having a cup of tea and enjoying the beautiful view at the sunset. 

„Here you go.“ The waitress said, bringing her fruit tea and a cookie for Jake. 

„Thank you.“ Eve replied friendly. 

Jake was happy about his treat and started nibbling on it. Eve stared at her son, again wondering, if he was having any features from Justin. But Jake’s big light blue eyes were definitively hers, as well as his sleek blond hair and the way he smiled. 

While being distracted by Jake, Eve didn’t notice as someone came towards her table. 

„Hi.“ She suddenly heard a female voice saying. 

Eve looked up, seeing Jen. She was wearing black leggings, a black tanktop and pink sneakers. Her long black hair was put together into a sleek bun. Eve thought she must just finished some kind of workout. 

Bronson was on short lash, excitingly pulling into Eve’s direction. 

„Hi.“ Eve replied and gave her attention to Bronson next. She bent into his direction and stroke his head to calm him down. 

„How are you, buddy? Didn’t see you for a while.“ She talked to him. 

Bronson squeaked and licked her hand, until he finally relaxed. Eve looked up to Jen again.

„What brings you to Daytona?“ She wanted to know.

„Life was pretty busy lately. I’m making a little break.“ Eve explained.

„Does it mean you’re here by yourself?“ 

„I am.“ 

Jen looked at her for a moment, trying to figure out what was going on. 

„How is Jay?“ She asked next. 

„His memory is back.“

„Oh.“ Jen said surprised. „Does it mean you two are good again?“ 

„Yes and no.“ Eve answered honestly.

Jen raised her eyebrows. Then she noticed, that Eve wasn’t wearing his rings. 

„Did you have a fight?“ 

„No. I just need some time on my own.“

„I see.“

Both forced a smile.

„Hey ehm, I recommend the Chai Latte if you come here again.“ 

„I’ll keep that in my mind.“

Jen forced another smile. Then she went inside to place her take away order. 

Eve got lost in thoughts again.

„How on earth you managed being friendly and calm after all what happened because of her?“