Chapter 22
Lunch felt normal. The kind of normal Ari hadn’t realized she missed. The café was louder this time. More crowded. More movement. Jas slid into the seat across from her, setting her bag down with a small sigh. “Okay,” she said. “I’m starving.” Ari smiled faintly. “You say that every time.” “And I mean it every time.” Ari laughed softly, stirring her drink. “…how was work?” Jas asked. Ari shrugged slightly. “…easy.” Jas blinked. “Okay, no. I still don’t trust that answer.” Ari smirked faintly. “You don’t have to.” Jas narrowed her eyes playfully, but let it go. “…you really do seem different,” she said instead. Ari tilted her head slightly. “…you said that already.” “I know, but—” Jas gestured vaguely. “…it’s like you’re not stressed anymore.” Ari paused. Just for
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