Chapter 8: The Awkward Reunion

Emily's POV

A month later

My stomach twisted the entire walk from the parking lot to the restaurant.

Julian walked beside me with his usual easy stride, one arm slung around my shoulders like old times.

He had been so excited when he picked me up, talking nonstop about how the team had “big news” and that I needed to get out more after that rough night at the club.

“You’ve been hiding in your dorm too much, Em,” he said, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze. “This will be good for you. The guys miss seeing you around.”

I forced a small smile and nodded, but my hands wouldn’t stop shaking. I shoved them into the pockets of my oversized cardigan, hoping he wouldn’t notice.

Every step closer to the restaurant door made my heart beat faster.

I kept replaying that morning in Alex’s apartment — his cold sigh, the way he barely looked at me, the casual way he told me not to make it weird.

Now I had to sit in the same room with him and pretend none of it ever happened.

The restaurant was loud and warm when we stepped inside. The hockey team had taken over their usual long table in the back corner.

Laughter and loud voices filled the air. The moment we approached, several of the guys called out greetings to Julian.

And then I saw him.

Alex sat near the middle of the table, wearing a simple black button-down that fit his broad shoulders perfectly.

His dark hair was still slightly messy from practice, and that sharp jawline caught the light as he laughed at something one of his teammates said.

He looked relaxed.

Completely at ease.

Our eyes met for half a second.

Then he looked away like I was just another random person walking past. No nod. No flicker of recognition. Nothing. It was as if I didn’t exist.

My chest tightened painfully.

Julian pulled out a chair for me right across from Alex. “Sit here, Em. You remember everyone, right?”

I managed a weak “Hey, guys” and sat down, keeping my eyes fixed on the menu.

My cheeks burned. I could feel the heat of Alex’s presence even though he refused to acknowledge me.

Every laugh that came from his side of the table felt like a knife twisting in my ribs.

The memories refused to stay quiet. The weight of his body.

The way his hands had gripped my hips. The low sound of his voice in my ear that night.

Now he was laughing with his friends like that night had never occurred.

Julian slid into the seat beside me and studied my face. “You okay? You look a little pale.”

“I’m fine,” I said quickly, forcing another smile. “Just tired. Late night working on a painting project.”

He didn’t look convinced. “You’ve been acting strange ever since that club night. Kara said you got pretty wasted. Did something else happen? You know you can talk to me, right?”

His concern made everything worse. Julian had always been my safe person — the big brother who looked out for me.

Lying to him felt like another layer of betrayal on top of everything else.

“Nothing happened, Julian,” I said, trying to sound casual.

“I just drank too much and learned my lesson. That’s all. Can we please talk about something else?”

He watched me for another moment, then nodded slowly. “Alright. But I’m here if you need me.”

The team ordered food and drinks, and the conversation flowed easily around me. I picked at my pasta, barely eating.

Every time Alex spoke — his deep voice carrying across the table — my heart clenched.

He told a story about practice, making everyone laugh. He smiled at his teammates. He was warm and lively with them.

But not once did he glance in my direction.

It hurt more than I expected. I felt invisible. Worthless.

Like that night had meant absolutely nothing to him while it had completely shattered my world.

My phone buzzed under the table. A text from Kara.

Kara: How’s it going? Is he being weird?

Emily: He’s pretending I don’t exist. Like I’m not even here.

Kara: I’m sorry, Em. Do you want me to come pick you up early?

Emily: No. I have to act normal. Julian is already suspicious.

I put my phone away and tried to focus on my plate.

Julian leaned closer again, lowering his voice so only I could hear.

“You sure you’re alright? You’ve barely touched your food, and you keep spacing out. If one of the guys makes you feel uncomfortable, you need to tell me. I won’t let anyone mess with you.”

The guilt hit me like a punch.

“I promise, nothing happened,” I lied again, my voice barely steady.

“I’m just… still dealing with the Lucas thing. Seeing him with that girl really messed me up. That’s all.”

Julian’s expression softened. “That asshole doesn’t deserve you. You’ll find someone better. Someone who actually sees how amazing you are.”

I almost laughed bitterly. The person who had seen me that night now refused to even look at me.

Alex told another joke, and the table erupted in laughter again. I risked a quick glance at him.

The rest of the dinner dragged on in a painful blur. I smiled when I was supposed to. I nodded along to conversations.

But inside, I felt myself crumbling. Every second spent in the same room with Alex reminded me how easily he could forget me while I carried the weight of what we’d done.

When the bill finally came and people started getting up, Julian pulled me into a tight hug outside the restaurant.

“I’m serious, Em,” he said quietly against my hair. “If any of my friends ever hurt you or make you uncomfortable, you tell me right away. I don’t care who it is. You’re my sister. I’ve got you.”

His words wrapped around my heart like a warm blanket and a knife at the same time.

“Thanks, Julian,” I whispered. “I know.”

On the drive back to my dorm, the nausea I had been pushing down all evening suddenly surged forward again.

I pressed my hand to my mouth and closed my eyes, breathing slowly through my nose.

“You sure you’re okay?” Julian asked, glancing at me with concern. “You’ve been looking sick all night.”

“I’m fine,” I mumbled. “Probably just ate too little.”

Something was wrong.

And I was terrified to find out exactly what it was.