Page 98 of Triplet Babies for my Ex's Best Friend

This is ridiculous.

I'm in a bar with perfectly acceptable men, and all I can think about is the one man I absolutely should not be thinking about.

“Addy?”

I blink. “Hm?”

Dimples is looking at me. “You okay?”

“Yeah,” I say quickly. “Sorry. Just distracted.”

Sophie kicks my ankle under the table.

I shoot her a look.

She mouths,focus.

I try, but after another ten minutes, it becomes very clear that whatever version of me is supposed to enjoy this is currently unavailable.

So eventually, politely, gently, I excuse myself.

Sophie gives me a look that sayswe’ll discuss this laterbut doesn’t stop me.

“I’ll walk you out,” she says, grabbing her coat.

“No, stay,” I tell her. “I’m literally five minutes away.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah.” I smile. “I’m good.”

She studies me, then nods. “Text me when you get home.”

“I will.”

She waves my way. “And don’t get kidnapped.”

“Not on my to-do list tonight.”

“Good.”

We hug quickly, and then I step out into the night.

It’s colder now, sharper. The kind of cold that wakes you up a little, clears the fog of drinks and noise and too many thoughts.

I pull my coat tighter around me and start walking.

The streets are still alive, but quieter than before. A few people passing, the distant hum of traffic, the occasional burst of laughter from somewhere behind me.

It’s not far, I know that. I’ve walked almost this route before, and for the first minute or two, everything feels fine, normal, until…

Fear trickles down my spine like egg yolk. My gut jerks, pulling my awareness to the forefront.

I keep walking, tell myself it’s nothing. City noise. Imagination. The lingering edge of alcohol and adrenaline.

But then I hear it…

Footsteps, behind me, too close, matching mine.