CHAPTER 50 – Blowup
Café Rio smelled like burnt coffee and old heartbreak. Lia sat in the corner booth, shredding a napkin into paper snowflakes. The scraps clung to her fingers, static with nerves. This place used to feel warm—after-school milkshakes, whispered crushes, late-night fries. Now the walls leaned in like they knew too much. The bell above the door jingled. Imani entered first, scarf looped around her neck, expression unreadable. Mila followed, jaw tight but not clenched. Savannah was last—lip gloss flawless, her calm composure shining like armor. They slid into the booth without a word. Not hostile. Just distant. Like old teammates reuniting after a bad season. Lia cleared her throat. “Thanks for coming.” No one replied, but no one left either. Small victory. “I… I need to tell you somethi
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