How a Dying Woman Rewrote Her Epilogue

Esmeralda understood what was going on.

Her eyes dimmed, a faint bitterness welling up inside her.

Fleming glanced at Lucy. "How are you getting home?"

Lucy smiled. "The driver's waiting-I'll get a ride, don't worry about me."

At that, Elodie realized Fleming was probably planning to spend the evening with Esmeralda.

She turned to Esmeralda, who clenched her fists a little, trying to steady her nerves.

Elodie felt a twinge of concern. She reached out and ruffled Esmeralda's hair, murmuring, "Whatever you feel tonight, figure it out for yourself before you say anything. The two of you need to talk."

Whether it turned out well or not, only Esmeralda could truly sense it. Even if she, as an outsider, could see Fleming wasn't exactly enthusiastic, Esmeralda's feelings ran deep-no amount of advice could smooth them over.

Esmeralda only half understood.

Alexander stepped forward. Noticing the hope flickering on Esmeralda's face, his gaze softened. In the end, all he said was, "If you need anything, call me, all right?"

Esmeralda waved him off. "I know, you don't have to treat me like a kid."

Alexander left it at that, his eyes briefly sweeping over Fleming before he walked away.

Jarrod, unconcerned with anyone but Elodie, simply took her wrist and led her outside as the group dispersed.

Elodie glanced at his profile, wanting to ask him something-but held back.

and the others leave, the group making their

gotten into her

bumped his shoulder and grinned, glancing at Esmeralda.

pretty cold of you. Didn't even think to

uninterested in the

know my brother-he's

head in mock disbelief. "He's not

gaze, smiling

to the side, Esmeralda suddenly felt strangely out

was to Lucy-how naturally she fit

herself had never

mentioned her, not

she was the woman

there, lost in thought. "Let's talk again soon. I'll leave you to it-have my brother take you somewhere fun,

had to face Lucy, maybe because Fleming was

choosing

she could

and leaned in. "Text me when

stuck out her tongue. "Alright,

was

her hands into

Heath got into

only Fleming and Esmeralda

"Got any

he had no idea how to spend