~Jennie’s~

“Go ahead, check it. You always do.”

I say nothing out loud, but the words scream in my head as I step out of my room with my phone still warm in my hand. I’d just hung up from Ava. Nothing shady. Nothing secret. But that’s never stopped him before.

The hallway feels like it’s holding its breath. It always does when he’s nearby.

And like clockwork, he appears.

Reo rounds the corner, dressed in his charcoal sweater and slacks, barefoot, jaw tight like it always is when he’s thinking too much. His hair’s a little messy. He probably didn’t sleep. Again.

I pause. So does he.

Our eyes...