Chapter 19

Chapter 19

He looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes and his usually perfect hair a mess–like he hadn’t slept in days.

“Aiden? What are you doing in California?” Standing there in his East Coast winter coat, he looked completely out of place among the palm trees and students in t–shirts.

“Wanted to see your school. See how you’re doing out here.” His voice was rough, like he’d been practicing this moment but still wasn’t ready.

I kept my tone deliberately light, casual. “It’s amazing here! The food scene is incredible – they have these amazing fusion restaurants downtown. You should definitely check them out while you’re in town.”

“Can’t you… show me around? Just once? For old times‘

out how to let him

line.” Jake appeared beside me, positioning himself protectively between us, his easy California confidence a

sized each other up – Jake with his sun–bleached hair and laid–back vibe, Aiden with his expensive wool coat and prep school posture. East Coast old

new world.

place. Jealousy? Hurt? After all these years of him taking me for granted,

to explain myself anymore. That part of our story was

move, still locked in some unspoken guy–code standoff. “Come on, you promised to take me to that amazing farm–to–table place

shooting one last challenging look at Aiden -the kind that clearly

Aiden stood alone at the gates, a shadow under the palm trees, looking more lost than I’d ever

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