ALEXANDER’S POV
Dinner had been her idea. A small celebration just the two of us, now that the weight of the court hearing was finally off her shoulders. She was glowing more than usual. Laughing easily, smiling without the shadow of fear. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.
She excused herself to the bathroom, and I waved for the waiter to bring the check when my phone buzzed.
Marcus
I answered quickly, stepping slightly out of the booth.
“Marcus,” I greeted, “what’s up?”
“Hey man, didn’t mean to interrupt your evening, but I figured you’d want to hear this directly. Nia made the Dean’s List this semester.”
A grin spread across my face immediately. “No way?”
“She’s been killing it. GPA is solid, and her professors speak highly of her. You should be proud.”
“I am proud,” I
