I never finish.
Because right then, the door swings open again.
Francis and Anne walk in.
And behind them… Ian.
What the hell ishedoing here?
Seb’s in Anne’s arms in a heartbeat. She showers him with kisses, all affection and joy. And suddenly, I’m clawed by jealousy.
There’s a voice screaming in my head:Hands off. Seriously.
I bite my tongue and keep my face neutral. What else can I do?
If any of our friends even guessed what’s going on in my head, they’d think I’d lost it.
Once everyone’s said their hellos, Ian chimes in.
“Hey, hope it’s okay I came. Anne mentioned getting the old Stratford crew back together. Maddie’s not here, obviously, but maybe she’ll join soon. Y’know, bring back the good old days.”
Oh, give me a break.
That look he throws at Sebastian?
Yeah, this wasn’t Anne’s idea.
He’s here for Seb. He wants back in.
Not happening.
“Remi?”
Francis waves a hand in front of my face. “Earth to Remi.”
Everyone’s heading to the table. Seb and Ian sit next to each other, already deep in conversation.
Anne looks delighted. Seb seems more relaxed than last time.
I can’t decide if that’s a good thing.
Francis hangs back, studying me. “You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“I’m fine. Just a long week.”
Francis frowns. “Sure things are okay with Mads? I know the distance can be rough. I’d go nuts if I didn’t see Anne for days, not that I’d ever admit it to her.”
He chuckles and pats me on the back, but the smile fades almost instantly.
“Seriously, Remi. Is something up?”
I shake my head. “Not here. We’ll talk later, alright?”
He studies me for a beat, then nods. “Fine. But I’m holding you to that.”
We head back to the others. Francis slips into his usual chill mode, joking and laughing like always, but I know he’s still watching me.
The truth is, I barely know what’s going on inside myself.
