Ellie's POV.
“It's been arranged," Paul sighs, sitting back down next to me on the sofa.
Things had been tense since our awkward exchange in this very living room. It felt like years had passed in mere moments. I never felt like he would use me. And though he said he wasn't, I felt used. I felt like I was being tossed between two sides of a conflict. I regretted, in a way, that I didn't leave Philly and head to Chicago with Ren and Cheska. But even though I was hurt, I still deeply loved Paul.
“My mother was eager to hear from me," I respond. “She just happened to be meeting Warner tonight for dinner. Practically demanded that I meet them."
“Perfect." The tone of his voice didn't match his words.
“Perfect," I echo.
We sat in silence. Paul's leg brushed up against mine. Our phon
