I ran into Owen again at Adrian's birthday party.
I didn't go over to say hello, deliberately keeping my distance to avoid any awkward talk or gossip.
It was Adrian's birthday, after all, but Owen had still brought me a gift.
His group of friends let out teasing whoops, yet I didn't pull away when he leaned in and kissed me on the cheek.
Lindy spoke up, her tone layered with something unreadable. "Mandy, I'm so jealous. You have such an amazing boyfriend. I wonder when I'll finally find someone for myself."
"Want me to hand him over to you?" I said with a light laugh.
She went still for a split second, then hurried to reply, "Don't be silly, don't joke like that."
Adrian glanced over at us, his look clearly laced with guilt.
I dropped the sharp edge from my tone right away.
Later
