“Be a gentleman, Cooper.” Her grin makes my heart flip.
I chuckle and take Aurora’s arm too. Together we weave through the crowd toward our friends.
Steven spots us first and comes over. Nova and I step back so he can hug Aurora, spinning her around. "I’m Steven," he grins.
I can’t help smiling, and Nova mirrors it beside me, her shoulder brushing mine as if to say she feels the same. Steven and Aurora always had a bond—maybe it was the books they used to trade back and forth, or the long afternoons I’d catch them in the corner of the library, heads bent over the same page. Or maybe it wasn’t about books at all—maybe they just understood each other in a way no one else could. It was the kind of quiet connection that didn’t need words, the kind you notice only when you realize how naturally they fall into step together. Watching them now, I feel like we’re being allowed a glimpse into something private, something that belongs just to them.
I still remember when Steven pinned Tom Owens against a locker for breaking up with Aurora over text.
Hurt Aurora Delgado, and Steven White will make your life a living hell.
I don’t know why she cut him off after graduation. But after her accident, her life shattered, and only Max could piece her back together.
I’m no one to judge anyway—not after what I did to Nova and Steven. I told myself my intentions were good, that I was only trying to help, but the truth is I let them down. And that’s the kind of mistake that lingers, no matter how many times I try to reason with myself.
Steven forgave me anyway. That’s who he is: the kind of person who lets go of grudges and welcomes back cowards like me and Aurora without blinking.
Aurora’s voice is barely audible. "I’m sorry." She touches his cheek. "For everything."
Steven shakes his head with a smile. "It’s okay. Just... don’t disappear again. I haven’t finishedWhere the Wind Forgets Us. I need to know if Becky chose Harvey or Jace." He grins.
Aurora relaxes, and he guides her to the counter, seating her next to Sam and introducing her around.
She fiddles with the ring on her right hand, but she still keeps the conversation going with Will, Sam, and Maggie without panicking. Max would be proud. And I am too.
I snap a photo of her laughing nervously with a cocktail in hand and send it to Max.
"She knows Max is back in two weeks?" Nova asks, striking a diva pose as I aim my phone at her instead, taking a few pictures.
I shake my head. "He wants it to be a surprise. He’s almost saved enough, you know?"
Nova’s eyes go wide. "Oh my God. I knew he’d make it. I hope they get back together. They were made for each other."She sighs, glancing fondly at Aurora, who’s looking more relaxed now.
"I hope so too," I whisper—though my eyes aren’t on Aurora.
Nova catches me staring at her and quirks an eyebrow. "What? I have something on my face? I ate a chocolate donut ten minutes ago. I have chocolate on—" She turns, but I stop her.
"No. You’re fine. It’s just that—"
She chuckles. "What, Cooper?"
You look gorgeous. "I... wow."
She laughs. "Wow?"
"Yeah... wow."
I notice a beaded purple daisy necklace hanging around her neck.
"Wow in a good way or bad way?" she teases, taking my hands.
I stare into her big, doe eyes. "Good. Really good. I swear."
She hugs me, and I hold her tight against my chest. "Nervous about the concert?"
I nod. "A little bit."
She smiles softly. "Remember, you’re a rockstar, Vincent Cooper. The music world’s lucky to have you."
