Sunlight streamed through the window, casting perfect shadows across his profile. In that moment, I swear my heart skipped a beat.
From that day forward, 1 pretended not to look at him while stealing glances every chance I got.
The hallways he walked, his favorite corners, the coffee shop he frequented–1 had it all memorized down to the last detail.
Just then, the door swung open and Finley walked in.
He wore a black leather jacket and jeans, looking effortlessly cool. Still a total head–turner, just with more mature vibes than before.
My hands involuntarily clenched, and my heart started racing.
His eyes swept the restaurant, and when they landed on me,
his expression seemed to freeze for a split second before he walked over.
“Hey, Clara.” He nodded in greeting, his voice carrying a hint of the distance that comes with years apart.
‘Long time no see, Finley.” I fought to stay composed.
“A barbecue joint?” Finley turned to Audrey, raising an eyebrow. “I figured you’d pick some swanky Upper East Side spot.”
Audrey shrugged. “Gotta mix things up sometimes, right?”
“Looks like our Audrey’s gone budget–conscious on us.” Finley teased with a playful smirk.
My stomach dropped, and I couldn’t help but worry about Audrey’s financial situation after her falling–out with the Bailey family.
She’d never complained to me about money troubles, but I knew what walking away from the Bailey family meant in terms of lost privileges and resources.
I nervously tried to jump to Audrey’s defense. “The food here is actually amazing, and the atmosphere is really unique.”
Finley caught my concern and chuckled, shaking his head. “Chill out, Clara. I’m just pulling her leg.”
He turned to Audrey. Audrey’s hardly strapped for cash. She could sell a single painting for jaw–dropping money.”
“Thanks for the PSA, but my bank account status isn’t really your business to advertise.” Audrey rolled her eyes, though she was smiling.
I felt the tension ease as I watched their familiar banter. A warm feeling washed over me.
This was exactly how I remembered them–never cutting each other any slack, but always having each other’s backs.
Just as we were hitting our stride, Audrey’s phone buzzed.
She glanced at the screen and her face immediately went serious.
“There’s an emergency at the gallery–Noah got hurt.” She jumped up, grabbing her bag. “I have to go right now. I’m so sorry, you two carry on.”
After Audrey left, the restaurant suddenly felt dead quiet, leaving Finley and me staring at each other awkwardly.
1/2
3:19 pm p p M M
Chapter 43
‘So… I started uncomfortably.
“So…” Finley said at the exact same time, and we both cracked up, breaking the ice.
My brain went into overdrive, desperately searching for something to talk about with Finley.
We used to be thick as thieves, but after years apart, we felt like complete strangers.
“Do you know how Audrey’s search for her birth parents is going?” I asked. ‘Has she made any progress?”
Finley shook his head. “I don’t think she’s seriously looking. Audrey doesn’t really open up to me about that stuff–you know how she is, always keeping her most personal business locked away.”
“Yeah, she’s always been like that.” I nodded, and we fell into another awkward silence.
I tried again to get a conversation going. “So, how are things with your family-*
“Can we not go there?” Finley suddenly cut me off, his voice carrying a harsh edge I’d never heard before.
The awkwardness hung between us like an invisible wall.
Finley lifted his glass and downed it in one gulp, then immediately poured himself another.
“Want a drink?”
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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.
