LOGINEmma's text arrives three hours after my disaster of a conversation with my father: We need to talk. Meet me at the old warehouse on Porter Street. Come alone.I stare at the message, my hands still shaking from crying. My father barely looked at me as I tried to explain everything. He just sat there in his armchair, looking older and more disappointed than I've ever seen him.And it's all Emma's fault.I shouldn't go. Every rational part of my brain is screaming that this is a terrible idea. But I need to understand why. Why would my best friend destroy my relationship with my father? What did I do to deserve this?I type back: I'll be there in 20 minutes.The warehouse is in the industrial district, a place Emma and I used to explore when we were teenagers, back when we were actually friends who trusted each other. It's abandoned now, windows broken, graffiti covering the brick walls. I pull into the empty lot and see Emma's car already parked near the entrance.My heart pounds as I
LeoOlivia's face drains of color as she listens to her father on the phone, and I know without hearing his words that everything has gone to hell. Emma has made her move, and I'm watching the fallout through the devastation on Olivia's face."Dad, please—" she tries, but whatever he's saying cuts her off. Her hand trembles against the phone. "It's not like that. Let me explain—"I take a step toward her, instinct driving me to comfort her, but she turns away from me. Fuck."I do love him," she says into the phone, her voice breaking. "It became real, Dad. You have to believe me—"More silence as her father speaks. This is my fault. Pushed Emma too far."Fine," she finally whispers. "I'll come over. Just... please don't—" But he's already hung up. She stares at the blank screen for a long moment before slowly lowering the phone.I wait for her to look at me, to say something, but she just stands there in the middle of the café with her eyes heavy with emotions I can’t read. All that m
OliviaLeonard's text arrives at seven in the morning: Can we meet? It's important.I stare at the message for a full minute before responding. We haven't spoken since our fight in his car two nights ago. Part of me wants to ignore the text, to make him wait the way I've been waiting for answers. But another part—the part that still loves him despite everything—can't resist.When and where? I type back.The coffee shop on Fifth. 9 AM?I arrive ten minutes early, ordering a latte I don't really want just to have something to do with my hands. The café is quiet at this hour, only a handful of other customers scattered at tables with their laptops and newspapers. I choose a corner booth with a view of the door and watch people pass by on the sidewalk outside.Leonard walks in exactly at nine o'clock because of course he does. He is wearing dark jeans and a gray henley, casual clothes that make him look younger somehow.He spots me and crosses the café with that purposeful stride of his
Chapter 25LeoMy front door rattles with three sharp knocks just after ten o'clock. I'm not expecting anyone, and the late hour sets off immediate alarm bells.Through the peephole, I see Emma standing in a black dress that seems far too deliberate for a casual visit. What does she want this time?I open the door but don't invite her in. "Emma. Why are you here?”"I hope I'm not interrupting." Her smile doesn't reach her eyes. "I was in the neighborhood and thought we should talk. Clear the air after everything that's happened."I stare at her closely for a moment. My head screaming warnings as I really look at her. Her makeup is perfect and her hair styled in loose waves. This doesn’t feel like a coincidence one bit. Emma can’t just happen to be in my neighborhood at ten PM dressed like she's going to a cocktail party. But I need to know what she's playing at, so I step aside and gesture her in. This is my shot at finding the truth."Can I get you something to drink?" I ask, clo
Chapter 24Leonard“I’ll shoot myself in the leg if I have to show up for one more dinner with your father.”Olivia's eyebrows are creased as she gawks at me. It's almost feels like she's trying to find something. “Hey, chill,” I laugh. A failed attempt to ease the situation. “I was only joking yunno.” “Hmm,” she replies with her lips in a pout. Olivia turns her gaze away from me and sits rigid in the passenger seat. An uneasy silence follows next as I navigate through the quiet suburban streets toward her house. I try to circle back in my thoughts to a moment I must have fucked up at the dinner to piss her off but nothing comes up. The dinner at her father's went well enough—except the moment I almost got caught. But Olivia doesn't know about it right? Or does she? Her father might–"Leonard." Her voice cuts through the hum of the engine and my thoughts. "I need to ask you something, and I need you to be honest with me."I keep my eyes on the road, though my grip tightens on t
OliviaI down some red wine just as Leonard slides back into his chair next to me. His fingers rest on mine as he leans into me. My nostrils fill up with his sweet woody scent.“How much longer?” he whispers. I fake a smile to the rest of my father's business associate at the table. “I have no idea but we'll be out of here soon,” I whisper back. Leonard gives me a pursed smile, squeezing my fingers before he lets go. I mouth an apology knowing how much dinners with my father suck. The notification buzz of phone steals my attention. I glance at the screen mentally registering to ignore the call. Leonard’s eyes are fixed on me before slowly moving to his plate. My phone buzzes the second time and make a hushed grumble. I turn to Leonard noting the way his shoulders remain rigid. His jaw works silently as he unfolds his napkin. Something must have happened with my father. Everything always goes wrong with him. "Everything okay?" I ask, reaching for my wine glass instead of the pho







