When our eyes lock, he raises his hand in a small wave. I respond with a nod before starting my engine and pulling away.
My mind is a battlefield of conflicting emotions as I drive home.
On one hand, agreeing to this arrangement feels like inviting heartbreak back into my life with open arms. On the other hand, part of me—a part I’ve been trying to ignore for so long—wants Rowan back in my life, even if it’s just pretend.
But it can’t all be pretend. Right? We have history. Chaotic history, but history nonetheless.
By the time I get home, I’ve made up my mind. I’ll go to Trivia Night, see how it feels to be around and interact with him in a group setting. Test the waters before diving in.
When I pull in, his parking spot is still empty. Looks like I’ve beaten him home.
As I climb the stairs, my phone buzzes with a text.
SASHA
Heard you were spotted having lunch with Rowan. Spill. Now.
I groan. News travels at the speed of light in this town.
Not much to tell. We talked. That’s it.
SASHA
Bullshit. Details or I’m coming over.
Can’t. Busy with Slash.
SASHA
Your lizard can wait. This can’t.
Sighing, I unlock my door and toss my keys onto thecounter. Slash pokes his head out of his log, tongue flicking curiously.
“Hey, buddy,” I murmur, walking over to check his water dish. “At least you don’t ask complex questions.”
My phone buzzes again.
SASHA
Bringing wine. Be there in 20.
Great. Just what I need—an interrogation.
Quickly changing into a pair of comfortable leggings and an oversized, off-the-shoulder T-shirt, I take a couple of wine glasses out of the cupboard. Rummaging through the pantry, I grab some snacks and set them up on the coffee table.
When in Rome and shit.
Twenty-one minutes later, the doorbell rings.
When I open the door, not only do I find Sasha, but Reyna and Noia as well.
“Surprise! I brought reinforcements!”
“Really?” I groan, stepping aside to let them in. “What the hell are you ladies up to?”
“Moral support?” Noia quips. I narrow my eyes. “Okay, fine. It’s a fact-finding mission,” she declares, brandishing a second bottle of wine as she breezes past me. “And don’t even think about being stingy with the details.”
Reyna gives me a sympathetic smile as she steps inside. “I tried to talk them out of it, but you know how they get when they smell possible romance in the air.”
