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.”

through his disheveled hair. “Can’t you… show me around? Just once? For old times‘ sake?”

to let

in line.” Jake appeared beside me, positioning himself protectively between us, his

tension crackled as they sized each other up – Jake with his sun–bleached hair and laid–back vibe, Aiden with his expensive wool

new world.

him?” Aiden’s voice had an edge I couldn’t quite place. Jealousy? Hurt? After all these years of him taking me

part of our story

in some unspoken guy–code standoff. “Come on, you promised to take me to that amazing farm–to–table place in wine country, remember?

shooting one last challenging look

the gates, a shadow under the palm trees, looking more lost than I’d ever seen him. The golden boy

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