ALEX.
I hesitated, stopping for a bit as I turned to head back inside. Derek had already left, but his words sat heavy in my chest, unspoken and untangled with unease. Without thinking, I pulled out my phone to drop him a text.
Me: I honestly don’t know… I think it’s weird turning up at their school.
Three dots appeared almost immediately, and my heat began to beat faster.
Derek: I figured. It doesn’t have to be weird, though. We could make it look like a coincidence. I’ll just be there. Nio drama, no scenes.
I thought for a few seconds.
Me: And if someone asks why you’re there?
The dots appeared almost immediately again. Deep down, I felt pleased by how fast his replies were coming in.
Derek: I’ll say I was in the area. Ran into you by chance. That’s it.
My heart thudded. Every i
