JAKE

I pulled over, stopping at the roadside. My heart pounding in my ears.

It was the most scared I've been in years, not after my relationship with Sophia.

My fingers fumbled over the phone, trembling as I scrolled through my contacts.

Cody’s name flashed on the screen, and I pressed the call button before I could second-guess myself.

The few seconds of ringing felt so long to me.

When he finally answered, our words collided in a jumbled mess.

“Cody, listen to me,” I blurted out, interrupted him.

His usual playful banter died instantly, replaced by a sharp, professional tone. He could always tell when I wasn’t joking.

“Jake,...