XYRA'S POV
I scrolled through my phone nervously, watching the minutes tick by. One by one, my friends started arriving for the meeting I'd called.
Relief seeped through me each time I saw a familiar face, but it did little to ease the knot of tension in my stomach.
The first to arrive was Rome. He flashed me a charming smile, his usual easy confidence dimmed by a bit of a look of apprehension. We exchanged awkward greetings. I couldn't blame him. It must have been due to awkward events.
He took a seat opposite me, closer than necessary. I shifted uncomfortably, trying to subtly create some distance. He seemed to pick up on the cue, leaning back slightly.
"So," he began, his voice adopting a playful lilt, "what's this big gathering all about, mystery girl?"
I forced a smile, the mem
