Long before I’m ready, we get to the exit, and I’m forced to look away.
Coldness washes through me before I step outside into the cool spring evening.
“Would you like to go and get a drink elsewhere, or …”
“I really should get home. I’ve got an early start.”
Levi’s eyes dull a little in disappointment, but he doesn’t seem overly bothered.
“You’ve got it.”
I pull my cell out and open the Uber app to call a car. But just before I hit the confirm button, I hesitate and glance over my shoulder.
I don’t want to get an Uber.
I quickly switch to my messages and fire off one I may well regret later.
17
COLE
Whirlwind: Any chance you could be my taxi?
Asmile twitches at my lips as I read her words.
Cole: I’ll be two minutes.
“I gotta go,” I tell the others. We’re halfway through dessert, but I’m suddenly not all that hungry for it.
“Is everything okay?” Killer asks in concern.
“But your pancakes,” Monroe says, gazing at them longingly.
“Crepes,” I correct. “It’s fine. You can have them,” I say, sliding my plate toward him.
I pull my wallet from my pocket and throw enough bills on the table to cover my meal.
“Cole?” Killer says. I freeze and look at him, not used to hearing him use my real name. “Is everything okay?”
“Yeah, everything’s fine. I just need to head out. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Yeah,” he mumbles, looking confused.
I get it. I dragged them out here so I had some company, and now I’m bailing—and I can’t tell them why, because they wouldn’t understand.
Hell, I’m not sure I understand, but I try not to think about it as I march toward the exit.
As soon as I step outside, I spot Freya standing with her date.
Not wanting to go stalking over there and announce my presence, I take off down the street for where I parked my car. As I move, my cell buzzes again.
Whirlwind: He thinks I’m waiting for a rideshare. Pull a little down from us and I’ll jump in.
I shake my head at her scheming but eagerly follow instructions.
Once I’m in my car, I pull a baseball cap from my glove compartment and put it on in an attempt to hide my identity. Based on how they first met, I don’t doubt he’ll know exactly who I am, should he see me.
I keep my eyes on the road as I drive past Freya and pull over. The second I stop, I look in my mirror to watch them part ways.
