CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

Celine's POV,

By the time Saturday night arrives, I’ve convinced myself I’m fine.

Fine enough to put on the dress Claire insisted on sleek, black dress that fitted my body perfectly and my makeup done perfectly. I also let Miles pick me up instead of meeting him there. By the time he came to get me I felt fine enough to pretend this isn’t me proving something to myself… or to someone else.

Miles was right on time, holding a small bouquet of white flowers that immediately makes me feel guilty for expecting awkwardness.

“These are for you,” he says, smiling easily. “No pressure. Just… thought you’d like them.”

“I do,” I say honestly. “Thank you.”

The car ride starts exactly how I feared it would.

Awkward. Slightly stiff.

We talk about the fundraiser, about Jack’s progress in swimming, about his job, my thesis, safe topics. He tells me the fundraiser is an annual event at Jack’s school, so I’ll see familiar faces. He talks about his coworkers, other teachers, and even some of the crazier