Keeley tied her roller skates with slight trepidation. The party was insanely crowded; she could barely see anyone in her group. She felt a high probability of colliding with someone on the skate floor.

Everyone she saw was in costume, even if it was a hastily made DIY affair. She’d never seen so many Halloween costumes in one place.

Colored lights pulsed on the floor to the music's beat. The bass was so loud it vibrated through the floor. She randomly thought Aaron would hate this place. Stupid. Why think of him? He wasn't even here.

"Keeley!"

She whirled around. Ryan was waving, dressed as a superhero from a popular movie franchise.

Wobbling slightly—she hadn't skated in ages—she skated over. "Hey! Where's everyone else?"

"Jennica's talking to some guys by the lockers, but everyone else is on the skate floor. Shall we?"

Keeley followed him onto the floor and quickly found her rhythm, though she still worried about collisions. She bumped elbows with a few strangers, but that was the worst of it.

Skating the oval track was oddly relaxing. The repetitive motion and catchy music soothed her thoughts.

She zoomed past Valentina, who was struggling to stay upright, several times before finally stopping to help after Valentina fell. "Want to hold my arm?"

Her roommate smiled gratefully and took her hand. "That would help, thanks."

"So," Keeley shouted over the music, "see any guys you like? It's a singles' party, after all."

Valentina shook her head, clinging to Keeley's arm.

"I only came because you guys did. I have a small crush on my anatomy TA, but I doubt it'll go anywhere. I'm focused on school."

Keeley respected that. Valentina was romantic, but her visa only covered her studies. She needed to focus on becoming a doctor and returning home.

"I'll be thirty by the time I finish," Valentina sighed. "All the good men in Lima will be gone."

Keeley wasn't sure how to comfort her. She didn't want to marry again, so she didn't understand the worry.

"Lots of people marry later here. Why not marry an American and bring him back with you?"

Valentina raised an eyebrow. "Think an American would move to Peru permanently?"

Keeley shrugged. "If he loved you. Besides, you'll be surrounded by doctors! Plenty volunteer in Africa; some might enjoy working in another country."

Valentina's expression grew thoughtful. "You may have a point. I guess I'll see."

"If you want a relationship, you'll find someone. You're brilliant, beautiful, and fun. What's not to like?"

Valentina's face lit up. "Thanks, Keeley."

Keeley meant it. Her roommate was lovely; finding a partner shouldn't be difficult.

Personally, Keeley didn't see the appeal of marriage. With the right person, it could be a lifelong partnership with your best friend—like her parents. But with the wrong personit was a constraint, a shackle.

Too many women suffered as she had, sacrificing their dreams for their husbands. Her marriage was cold, isolating, and emotionless, but at least Aaron never abused her.

Some women weren't so lucky. Why risk it?

People changed. Aaron certainly had. She thought he'd once loved her.

She'd thought marrying her best friend would make her happy. He was her best friend, but she wasn't his—he didn't need one.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. Valentina was doing fine; Keeley decided to skate alone, pumping her legs furiously.

Zooming around the track released her anger. She couldn't punch her frustration, so she raced, dodging people, a fierce look of concentration on her face.

Stupid Aaron. Stupid singles party. Why was she even here?

And why, for heaven's sake, was he acting so chummy now, when she hated him? The role reversal was ridiculous.

He'd relentlessly pursued her until she gave in—the worst mistake of her life. His pursuit was reluctant, so their relationship started badly and only worsened.

Now he was chasing her, though she wanted nothing to do with him! She wouldn't cave to his pressure.

Running away to college hadn't worked; it only gave her a break.

She'd believed he'd lose interest after high school. That New Year's Day kiss was a fluke; he left her alone for five and a half years.

She'd thought she was safe. She'd been thinking of him less and less, then he barged back into her life.

What was he doing? It had been over four months since his return, and his intentions seemed sincere to others.

It had been a high school game of cat and mouse, nothing more. He shouldn't be doing this now.

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