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I tossthe tiny umbrella from my liqueur-less mimosa and sip straight from the glass. Dejonae watches me with a bemused grin.
Today, the college graduate is wearing a T-shirt and jeans. Her curls are honey-blonde at the ends and held back by a beautiful clip that’s shaped like Japanese cherry blossoms. It looks expensive. I bet it’s a gift from Sazuki.
“Thanks for meeting me,” I say.
“You’re welcome.” Her eyes sparkle. I used to chalk it up to her youth, but now I think that’s pure Dejonae. She brims with vitality and passion. Everything, from the vivacious way she speaks to her enthusiasm for life draws you in. It’s no wonder someone as cold and aloof as Sazuki would be intrigued by her.
“I’m a little surprised that you called me first,” Dejonae adds. She hasn’t touched her drink yet.
“I wanted to thank you. It’s because of you that I heard of Alexa passing so soon.”
The sparkle leaves her eyes for a second. “Sazuki took the call. He said Adam was surprisingly calm about it.”
“He does that.” I fold the napkin in front of me into a perfect square. “He can tackle any obstacle in front of him. He doesn’t get ruffled. Not in the moment. But when he crashes…”
“Hm.” Her lips curl up. “So… Adam called Sazuki today.”
My eyes stray to my drink. I pick it up with trembling hands and take a sip. “What did he say?”
“That he had a dream about you last night.”
I choke on my drink.
“According to Adam, you showed up at his door unexpectedly and you held him all night.”
“We didn’t do anything more,” I blurt. “I just comforted him while he slept. That’s it.”
“Why is that it?” Dejonae frowns.
I gawk at her.
She laughs softly. “I didn’t mean it likethat. It’s just that there’s nothing in your way if you wanted to go there.”
“Of course there is. He has a wife.”
Dejonae releases a harsh breath. “Nova, I know you’re not that clueless. You’re aware that Adam wouldn’t have married Alexa because he loved her. I may not know the details, but I’m sure there’s more to the story.”
“You’re right. There is, but…”
“But what?” Dejonae prods.
“I can’t stop thinking about Rowan,” I admit, remembering his puffy eyes. “He’s breaking down. He needsallhis dad’s attention and coddling right now. He doesn’t need to see Adam jumping from marriage to his mom and then being all over me before Alexa’s body even hits the ground.”
Her nose scrunches. “Why are you blaming Rowan? He’s a big boy. Even more than that, he’s a smart boy. And he’s very observant. Isn’t he the one who found out that Bailey has a crush on Beth?”
“That’s yet to be proven.”
“It’s obvious now that he’s pointed it out.”
I press the perfectly folded napkin against my mouth.
“Are you still confused about your feelings?” Dejonae demands. “Or are you that scared of not being in control of everything?”
I stay silent.
“You went to him last night because you love him, right? Isn’t that why you stayed?”
