14. Falling out of Love

The memory of her encounter with Albert Hawkbone flashed through Rose’s mind, but she masked her unease with a smirk. “What, because he carries a hockey stick?” Ivy burst out laughing. “I mean, yeah! That cane of his looks like it belongs in the NHL. But honestly, I’ve never seen him limp. Suspicious, right?” The two shared a moment of laughter, their gossip lightening the tension that had settled over Rose like a storm cloud. But her laughter faded as her eyes wandered across the room and landed on a familiar figure. Jayden stood at the counter with his friends, his presence unshakable and magnetic as ever. She hadn’t expected to see him here tonight, and the suddenness of it made her chest tighten. Then, to her surprise, she noticed his gaze locked on her. Her stomach churned, discomfort bubbling beneath her calm exterior. Why is he looking at me? she wondered. Didn’t he make it perfectly clear that he’s not interested? Her chest ached with the weight of feelings she wished she could