Chapter 19
Chapter 19
He looked exhausted, with dark circles under his eyes and his usually perfect hair a mess–like he hadn’t slept in days.
“Aiden? What are you doing in California?” Standing there in his East Coast winter coat, he looked completely out of place among the palm trees and students in t–shirts.
“Wanted to see your school. See how you’re doing out here.” His voice was rough, like he’d been practicing this moment but still wasn’t ready.
I kept my tone deliberately light, casual. “It’s amazing here! The food scene is incredible – they have these amazing fusion restaurants downtown. You should definitely check them out while you’re in town.”
He shifted uncomfortably, running a hand through his disheveled hair. “Can’t you… show me around? Just once? For old times‘ sake?”
Before I could figure out how to let him down gently, another voice cut in.
“Sorry, man, but she’s already got plans. You’ll have to get in line.” Jake appeared beside me, positioning himself protectively between us, his easy California confidence a stark contrast to Aiden’s intense energy.
The tension crackled as they sized each other up – Jake with his sun–bleached hair and laid–back vibe, Aiden with his expensive wool coat and prep school posture. East Coast old money meeting West Coast
new world.
“You came back to campus early for him?” Aiden’s voice had an edge I couldn’t quite place. Jealousy? Hurt? After all these years of him taking me for granted, it was almost funny.
I saw no reason to explain myself anymore. That part of our story was over. “Sorry, Aiden, but we’ve got reservations. Let’s go, Jake.”
I nudged Jake, who seemed reluctant to move, still locked in some unspoken guy–code standoff. “Come on, you promised to take me to that amazing farm–to–table place in wine country, remember? It’s a long drive, and I heard their sunset view is incredible.”
Jake finally let me pull him away, but not before shooting one last challenging look at Aiden -the kind that clearly said “she’s moved on.”
At the crosswalk, I couldn’t help glancing back. Aiden stood alone at the gates, a shadow under the palm trees, looking more lost than I’d ever seen him. The golden boy who’d always had everything suddenly realizing some things couldn’t be won back with a charming smile.
For a moment, my heart twisted with an old, familiar ache. Then the light changed, and I stepped
Minutos
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Chapter 19
forward into my new life, leaving the past where it belonged.
