Chapter 138

Aria's POV I didn't expect things to get even more awkward after Lillian left, but boy, was I wrong. As soon as she got out of the car, I closed my eyes and pretended to be asleep for the entire ride. Only when we entered the gated community did I finally "wake up." Julian's friend glanced over at me with a raised eyebrow. "We've arrived, Miss Aria." "Oh, we're here already?" I faked a yawn, putting on my best just-woke-up face. "Sorry, I guess I dozed off." He gave me this knowing half-smile that said he wasn't buying my act for a second. "See you at the concert." "Yes, see you then." Recognizing my familiar doorstep, I practically lunged for the door handle. "Thanks for the ride tonight! I'd better get inside. Drive safely!" I was about to slam the door shut when Julian suddenly called out, "Wait." "Hmm?" Did I forget something? I checked quickly - purse, phone, everything seemed accounted for. While I was doing my mental inventory, Julian somehow produced a single rose from nowhere.