The Wrong Heart

by Jennifer Hartmann

Charlie is the only man I’ve ever been with. I gave him my virginity and my heart beneath a starless August sky, and I never looked back. But now I’m forced to look forward without him, and it’s daunting. Terrifying. I don’t know which way to turn because every direction feels like it drags me farther and farther away from him.

Leah’s eyes roll up. “Forget West. He’s just butthurt that you didn’t go for Shane, so you could all go out for beer-infused, sports-centered group dates. His opinion is irrelevant.” A snicker escapes me. “So, you’re Team Parker?” “Girl, I’m Team Melody. Always have been, always will be.” Love churns between us as we share a smile—the kind of love that’s rare and infinite. We’ve had each other’s backs from day one, and her unwavering support of me has never waned or teetered. She’s the most unselfish person I know. “You know I love you, right? I don’t tell you that enough,” I murmur, my words spilling from the purest place.

This is what it is to be a best friend. This is the bond every girl deserves