Never simple.
But easier.
Which was probably more dangerous.
“You know what’s annoying?” she asked suddenly.
“Several things. Narrow it down.”
“You pretend you’re emotionally unavailable, but you actually pay attention to everything.”
I looked at her. “That’s not emotional.”
“You remembered I hate crowds.”
“That’s observant.”
“You texted your friend asking if I was coming.”
I exhaled slowly. “You’re really not letting that go, huh?”
“Absolutely not.”
Fair.
ROWAN
Mason’s phone buzzed in his pocket.
He checked it once.
Then immediately looked irritated.
“What.”
“My dad.”
That mood shiftwas instant.
Like someone flipped a switch inside him.
Shoulders tighter. Face blanker.
I noticed it immediately.
“You don’t have to answer,” I said.
“I know.”
But he still looked at the screen again.
Didn’t open it.
Just stared at it for a second too long.
That was the first time all night he looked fully closed offagain.
And weirdly—
