CHAPTER 21

AMARA POV.

"Jared!" His name passed my lips before I could stop it. He was standing alone as others passed him on their way to the exit. No sign of Claire anywhere. "Is this really what you want, Amara?" he asked as I stood next to Ace at the entrance to our booth. I could feel Ace tense next to me when Jared spoke.

My eyes were tearing up again as I saw the heart broken look on his face as his eyes darted to my hand that was holding onto Ace’s arm and I tried to pull my hand back but Ace clamped it tightly to his side and I let it be. Not wanting to make a fuss with so many people still walking past us and with Ace’s parents standing behind us. “Is it, Amara?” Jared asked again and I swallowed nervously as my heart thundered in my chest. I became aware of eyes staring at me from behind. I knew Ace’s parents were looking at me in anticipation but so was Ace. “Amara?” Jared prodded me on, waiting for an answer.

"Yes." I answered as I didn’t know what else to say. I was about to wal