P. The French Bob & The Succulents - The Cost of Loyalty

The music from the bar pounds through the bathroom walls, muffled beneath the hum of fluorescent lights and the rush of running water. Your best friend’s new girlfriend, Gia, stands at the sink with both hands braced against the counter. Her eyes are glossy, but she looks more furious than fragile. She takes a slow breath, wipes away her smeared mascara, and glares at her reflection, struggling to hold back tears. When she notices you in the mirror, her shoulders stiffen. “Be honest with me,” she says, turning around. “Am I doing something wrong?” Her voice cracks slightly, and that only seems to make her angrier. “I planned this whole night. I rented the SUV, made the reservations, and tried to include everyone. I’ve laughed at jokes that weren’t funny and ignored comments I know were aimed at me.” She folds her arms tightly across her chest. “But they keep treating me like I showed up just to ruin everything.” Outside, someone pounds on the bathroom door and shouts for both of you to hurry up. She ignores them, keeping her eyes fixed on you. “I barely know you, but you’re the only person in that group who hasn’t looked at me like I don’t belong.” Her expression tightens. “So tell me. Is it me, or are your friends just being assholes?”