Can we talk?
The muffin turns to cardboard in my mouth.
“What?” Riya notices my face.
I show her the text. Her expression darkens.
“Are you fucking kidding me? Now? After months of nothing?”
“He has impeccable timing,” I mutter.
I stare at Miles’s text. For years, these words would have sent me spiraling. Now they just feel... tired.
I stare at the message. Sure, he said he wanted to meet up, but I didn’t think he was serious.
After avoiding all my messages since summer, now he wants to talk?
“I don’t know if I should answer,” I say.
But even as the words leave my mouth, I know I’m lying. I’m going to answer. Because despite everything—despite Ethan, despite growing, despite finally wanting something real—part of me is still that girl who waited two years for Miles to notice her.
And maybe, I need to face her before I can move forward.
“Piper,” Riya warns.
“I know.”
“Do you though?”
What about
Coffee tomorrow? Just to talk.
Harper's asking questions.
My throat tightens.
“Don’t,” Riya says, reading my face. “Whatever you’re considering, don’t.”
“But what if?—”
“What if nothing. You don’t owe him anything.”
“It’s not about owing him. Harper’s asking questions. What if she knows something?”
“Knows what?” Riya’s eyes narrow. “What exactly would she know, Piper?”
I look away, heat creeping up my neck. “Just... things.”
“Things.” Her voice goes quiet. “Piper, look at me.”
I force myself to meet her eyes.
“I know there’s more you haven’t told me. About you and Miles.” She sets down her coffee carefully. “Last term, you were... different. After summer. Coming back looking hollow. Jumping every time your phone buzzed.”
I take a deep breath.
“I was scared,” she continues. “You lost weight. It was like watching you fade away, and I didn’t know how to help without pushing you further into whatever was happening.”
