"Definitely." I nodded. "How about this weekend?"
"It's a date." She winked. Then her face turned more serious, studying me in that motherly way of hers. "How have you been, honey? Really?"
I shrugged, fiddling with the hem of my shirt. "I'm okay. Just busy with work and settling back in."
She didn't look entirely convinced but let it go. "I'mglad you decided to move back. Especially since it perfectly coincided with me coming back."
"Me too." I meant it. Despite everything, it felt right being back in Stock Creek, surrounded by pack and family.
We settled on the couch. Mom gave me a knowing look and searched my face. "What’s going on with you? Anyone special in your life?"
I quickly shook my head. "Nope. No one." Nobody I even remotely felt like mentioning.
She studied me for a moment longer before nodding. "All right. But if that changes, I want to hear all about it."
I laughed, the sound a bit too high-pitched. "Sure, Mom. You'll be the first to know."
We chatted for a few more minutes before I had to finish getting ready. As I walked her to the door, my mind raced with thoughts of love and second chances.
Could I ever take that risk again? Open my heart to someone, knowing how easily it could shatter?
I wasn't sure. But as I hugged my mom goodbye, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of something suspiciously like hope.
Mom left, and I had just gotten my earrings on when a sudden knock on the door startled me out of my thoughts. I opened it to find Tavi beaming at me.
"Are you ready to party?" she asked, bouncing on her toes.
I forced a smile, shoving aside my inner turmoil. "Definitely. Let's do this."
The drive to the bar was a blur, Tavi's chatter washing over me as I stared out the window. By the time we arrived, I could already feel some of the tension easing from my shoulders. The cozy atmosphere and lively buzz of conversation were exactly what I needed.
We made our way inside, scanning the crowd for Krystal. I spotted her waving at us from a booth in the corner.
"Finally," she called out as we approached. "I thought I'd have to drink alone."
I slid into the booth beside her, bumping her shoulder playfully. "As if we'd ever let that happen."
A serverappeared to take our orders. I hesitated, debating how much I wanted to let loose tonight. In the end, I settled on a light beer, not quite ready to fully drown my thoughts.
The drinks arrived, and I took a long sip, savoring the cool, crisp taste. For a moment, I let myself just breathe, focusing on the here and now.
But of course, Krystal couldn't let that last long. She smirked at me over the rim of her glass. "You've been weird lately."
I nearly choked on my beer. "What? No, I haven't."
Tavi grinned, leaning forward. "Let me guess, Nathan Gallagher?"
"Not you, too," Rissa muttered.
Krystal laughed, the sound warm and rich. "Come on. Spill."
I exhaled slowly, my fingers tightening around my glass. I didn't want to admit it, didn't want to say the words out loud. But with both of them watching me expectantly, I finally caved.
"I feel something for him," I mumbled, staring down at the table.
Tavi mock gasped. "No way."
Krystal kicked her feet. "And?"
