Dawn looked up, and froze. Alex. Standing there in the doorway, calm and collected, like nothing had happened but everything had happened.
“Alex!” Dawn’s voice cracked, the words spilling out before she could stop them. She ran forward, almost tripping over her own feet, and wrapped her arms around her friend. Her chest felt like it might burst. “Where have you been? I’ve been calling you… non-stop!”
Alex gave a small, tired smile. “I needed… a break from everything. But I’m okay. You?”
“Tara—she locked me in. I was setting up a surprise for Adam,” Dawn explained, breathing hard, still clutching Alex’s shoulders.
“Wow… I didn’t know you two were that close,” Alex said, eyebrows raised.
“Yeah… and I’m sorry, I was a total jerk before.”
Alex laughed softly, teasing. “I know.” And then
