The night had stretched far longer than I had intended, and the once-vibrant karaoke bar was winding down. People were filtering out in pairs and groups, leaving behind empty soda cans and laughter that still echoed faintly in the air. I glanced at my phone and winced. It was late—really late.
Grabbing my jacket, I mumbled a quick goodbye to Tessa and the others and headed out, eager to avoid any awkward encounters or explanations with Mom about why I was stumbling home after midnight.
But as soon as I stepped out into the cool night air, I froze. Ethan’s car. It was parked right across the street like some ominous sign from the universe. His sleek black car gleamed under the dim streetlights, looking entirely too out of place for this shabby part of town.
“What the actual hell?” I mu
