Chapter 42
Clara’s POV:
I sat in the corner booth of the restaurant, watching Audrey rush in with an apologetic smile plastered across her face.
‘Sorry, I’m late, Clara.”
Audrey slid into the seat across from me, setting her purse beside her chair. “Got held up at the gallery for a bit.”
“No worries, I just got here myself.”
The waiter approached with menus, asking if we’d like to order drinks. I was about to order a glass of white wine when Audrey immediately shook her head.
“Just water, thanks.” She said it with a flash of wariness in her eyes.
“That’s unusual–you’re actually turning down alcohol?” I asked curiously.
Audrey’s cheeks flushed slightly. “I got absolutely hammered last night. Just thinking about booze gives me a headache.”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “Sounds like someone had a wild night.”
‘Don’t even go there.” Audrey covered her face with her hands, but I could tell her embarrassment went deeper than just a hangover.
After we ordered, I kept stealing glances at Audrey, wrestling with how to bring up what was really on my mind.
She’d always been sharp as a tack, able to read me like an open book.
“You want to know about Finley, don’t you?” Audrey suddenly cut straight to the chase.
I felt my cheeks burn. “Is it that obvious?”
“Clara, how long have we known each other? Those eyes of yours couldn’t keep a secret if your life depended on it.” Audrey smiled knowingly,
I looked down at my salad and nodded. “It’s nothing major, really. I just wondered how he’s been doing lately.”
“He’s doing well–opened a gallery in London, business is booming.” Audrey said it casually. “Always has women throwing themselves at him, but he’s still flying solo.
“That’s good.” I tried to keep my voice steady. “As long as he’s happy.”
Audrey set down her menu and looked me straight in the eye.
“If you care so much about Finley, why don’t you just ask him yourself?”
I let out a bitter laugh. “I tried reaching out, but he must’ve changed his number. I sent several messages that went absolutely nowhere–total radio silence.*
Noticing the dejection in my eyes, Audrey gently patted my hand. “He just got back yesterday, and it’s been ages since the three of us hung out. If you want, I could arrange a little reunion.”
1/2
3:19 pm P Pмм.
Chapter 42
‘Really?‘ I looked up, hope sparking in my chest.
Audrey nodded with a smile. “Let’s make it tomorrow at lunch. I’ll handle the coordination.”
1 felt a rush of excitement, then uncertainty crept in. “Are you sure? Would Finley even want to see me?”
‘Don’t be ridiculous—it’s not like you and Finley have bad blood. Audrey shook her head, laughing. “We were the three musketeers back in the day. He’d definitely be stoked to see you.”
Hearing Audrey’s reassurance, I felt a flutter of anticipation bloom in my chest.
The next day at noon.
Audrey and I arrived early at that nostalgic Brooklyn barbecue joint.
The brick walls were covered with vintage records and retro posters, and the air was thick with the mouth–watering aroma of grilled meat.
“Do you think he’ll actually show?” I asked nervously, constantly fussing with my hair and clothes.
“Relax, if he said he’d come,
he’ll come.” Audrey tried to reassure me, though her eyes betrayed a hint of uncertainty too.
Minutes ticked by with no sign of Finley.
My gaze kept drifting to the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of him.
Without realizing it, my mind wandered back to high school, to the first time I laid eyes on Finley.
It was at the school art exhibition. He was standing in front of this massive abstract painting, completely absorbed.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
