Savannah rolled her eyes. "It’s not about him."
Mallory arched a skeptical brow. "Mmmhmm. Sure."
Savannah exhaled, tapping her fingers against her glass. "It’s just weird being back. Seeing everything the same but knowing that I’m different."
Mallory softened. "Yeah, I get that. But maybe that’s a good thing. Maybe it’s a sign that you needed to come back, at least for a little while."
Savannah let her gaze drift back to the water. "Maybe."
They sat in silence for a moment, the background noise of the bar filling the space between them.
Then, Mallory smirked. "Okay, serious moment over. Now, let’s talk about the important things—like how that guy at the bar keeps looking over here, and how you should absolutely let me play wing-woman tonight."
Savannah groaned, shaking her head. "Hard pass."
"Oh, come on." Mallory grinned, taking another sip of her drink. "I promise I’ll only embarrass you a little."
Savannah laughed despite herself, the weight on her chest easing just a fraction. "I’ll think about it."
Mallory raised her glass. "I’ll take that as a yes."
Savannah clinked her glass against Mallory’s, letting herself get lost in the moment, in the familiar rhythm of the town that had once been her entire world.
For tonight, at least, the past could wait.
6
Almost Was
Attheotherendof the tavern, Chase nursed his beer, half-listening as Jaxon rattled off something about a new investment opportunity. He wasn’t paying attention. Not really. His thoughts had drifted, restless and unsettled.
Sara was the first to notice.
"Okay, what’s going on with you?" she asked, crossing her arms as she studied him.
Chase raised an eyebrow. "What are you talking about?"
Sara smirked. "You’re quiet tonight. That’s never a good sign."
Jaxon chuckled. "Yeah, man. You got that faraway look."
Chase exhaled, shaking his head. "It’s nothing. Just… this place. Brings back memories."
Sara tilted her head. "What kind of memories?"
Chase hesitated. He traced the rim of his beer bottle with his thumb, debating how much to say. Finally, he sighed. "The kind that stick."
Jaxon leaned back, his curiosity piqued. "So, we talking about a girl?"
Chase let out a dry laugh. "Yeah. Savannah Monroe."
Jaxon let out a low whistle. "Damn. Now that is a name I haven’t heard in a while."
Sara’s eyes gleamed. "You liked her."
Chase shook his head. "It wasn’t like that. Not really. She was with Trevor."
Sara scoffed. "And? Jaxon was with my sister, and look how we turned out."
