Jayden reached for Arianna’s hand, his eyes shining with emotion. “We’re never going to miss our chance again. I wear to you
Bat the moment his fingers touched hers, the tensed and gently pulled away.
The rejection felt like a knife between his ribs, but he tried to keep his expression neutral. She wasn’t ready for physical contact yet. After everything she’d been through–after everything he’d put her throgh–of course she wasn’t.
I’m sorry,” the said quietly, her voice small and apologetic. Tm still getting used to bring close to people again, it’s not you, I promise. I just need
“Hey, no.” His voice was soft, understanding, even though his chest was aching “Ton’t apologize. We’ve got all the time in the world. No pressure,
She nodded, but he could see the guilt in her eyes, and it maile him hate himself all over again.
That afternoon, Jayden tried to focus on work emaths while Arian ruled upon his couch watching some cheesy rom-com. Every few minutes he’d steal glances at her, still barely believing she was real–that she was here, alive, choosing to stay with him despite everything
The peaceful moment was interrupted by his phone buzzing. Harris Rogers, his college roommate, was calling
“Jayden Holy shit, man, guess what? I’m in Burlington for a conference this week. We absolutely have to grab dinner–I haven’t seen you in forever!
Jaylen looked over at
or at Arianna, who was watching him curiously while stealing bites of ice cream straight from the container.
“Actually, that sounds perfect,” he said, his heart racing with nervous excitement. There’s someone really important I want you to meet.”
“Doh, mysterious,” Harris laughed. “Let me guess–you finally found yourself a girlfriend?”
“Something like that,” Jayden said, smiling at Arianna. “You’re gonna love her.”
Burlington’s downtown sparkled with Friday night energy as Jayden and Arlanma walked toward the restaurant. He’d chosen a nice place with private dining rooms–he wanted everything to be perfect.
“I’m so nervous,” Arianna admitted, adjusting her scarf for the third time. What if he thinks I’m weird? What if he doesn’t like me?”
“That’s literally impossible,” Jayden said firmly, wanting to take her hand but respecting her boundaries. “Harris is going to think you’re amazing because you are amazing.”
They were seated in a cozy private room and had just ordered wine when Arianna excused herfelf to the bathroom, She’d barely been gone two minutes when the door burst open and Harris walked in, grinning like an idiot
There’s my boy” he said, pulling, Jayden into a crushing bear hug. “Look at you, all grown up and successful. I’m so fucking proud of you, man.”
“Thanks for making time for this,” Jayden said, his stomach fluttering with anticipation. “I can’t wait for you to meet her. She’s incredible.”
Harris waved him off with a knowing smirk. “Already met her, actually. Bumped into her in the hallway on my way in–absolutely gorgeous, by the
her in the h way. You did good.”
Jayden foltate jolt of surprise. “Oh, that’s great What did you think?”
Instead of answering. Harris pulled a black wallet out of his jacket and tossed it across the table.
“You dropped this like a total klutz. Good thing I saw it, or you’d be buying dinner op my credit card.”
Jayden opened his wallet, and his breath caught. There, tucked behind has driver’s license, was that old photo of him and Arianna from senior your–faded and wore from being carried around for a decade.
“Jesus Christ.” Harris laughed. “you still carry around high school pictures? That’s some serious hopeless romantic shit right there. I respect it.”
They were both chuckling when the door opened and Arianna slipped back in
12:02
Almost in Love with You Before That Cruel Summer Took Everything
Jayden immediately stood, pulling out her chals with a nervous sou “Arianna, I want you to officially met my best friend from college. Hume, cli Is my girlfriend. Arianna.”
Arianna smiled warmly and gave a little wave. “Hi, Harris. It’s so nice to meet you”
Bat Harris didn’t respond. He was staring at Jayden with an expression that was shifting
Lamusement to genuine conce
“Jayden,” he said slowly, like he was talking to someone who might be having a mental breakdown “What are you doing, man? Who are you talking
The questim hit Jayden like a physical blow. “What do you mean? I’m introducing you to Arianna, She’s sitting right there.”
Harris looked directly at the chair where Arianna was sitting, then back at Jayden with growing alarm in his eyes,
“Dude, there’s nobody there. That chair is empty. Are you feeling okly? You’re really starting to freak me out
Jayden’s world tilted sideways. He looked at Arianna, whin had gone deathly pale, her bands clenched in her lap
“That’s not funny, Harris” he said, his voice coming out harsher than he intended. “She’s sitting right fucking here. Stop being an asshole.”
“Jayden” Harris said gently, like he was trying to talk someone off a ledge. “I’m looking right at that chair. There’s nobody in it. You’re talking to empty
The restaurant suddenly felt like it was closing in around him. His chest was tight, his hands were shaking, and he couldn’t breathe property
“We’re leaving.” he said abruptly, reaching for Arianna’s hand.
“Jayden, wait-
But he was already pulling her toward the door, his entire body trembling with panic and rage and something he couldn’t name.
The car ride home was suffocating in its silence. Arianna stared out the passenger window while Jayden gripped the steering wheel so hard his knuckles had gone white.
“I don’t understand what just happened in there,” he said finally, his volor harely steady
Arianna’s voice was so quiet he almost didn’t hear her. “Maybe he just… doesn’t like me very much.”
“No, that’s not ” Jayden started, then stopped. Because what was the alternative? That his best friend couldn’t see the woman sitting right next to hum? That was insane.
Wasn’t?
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice heavy with guilt and confusion. “Harris has never acted like that before, I don’t know what the hell got into ham tonight
But even as he said it, a cold dread was settling in his stomach. Because deep down, in a place he didn’t want to acknowledge, he was starting to wonder if maybe Harris hadn’t been acting strange at all.
Jayden sighed and nodded, hating himself for the disappointment he could hear in his own voice.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry you had to go through that.”
