Page 80 of Until We Meet Again

"Yes, and not because he has female friends, because I'm not that girl. It's because it's her, and I know what she wants from him." I release a long sigh, but it fails to ease the weight I feel in my chest. "And maybe I'm jealous because I can't do that with him? I can't go meet him for a drink in public."

"He obviously doesn't feel the same way about her, or they'd be dating."

"I know, but he and I are in a weird place right now."

"Do you feel like you're overthinking this a little?"

"I can't help it. I'm a Virgo." She gently places her hands on my shoulders as her laughter fills the space between us.

"I love you, but you can't always use that as an excuse."

"I disagree. Let's just go before I change my mind."

"We can cancel."

"No. We're going."

"Fine, but just so you know, I'm not feeling your vibe tonight."

"Why?"

"Because you're making me nervous. Just don't get all worked up and do something dumb and impulsive." I attempt to speak, but she quickly cuts me off. "If you dare say anything about being a Virgo, I will slap you and not feel bad about it."

"I'm not going to be impulsive."

"So you’re not going to call Zane and storm over to wherever he is and out yourself?" Her eyes widen, and she stares at me as if she were briefing me on the rules before giving me permission to leave the house.

"I might be a mess right now, but I'm not stupid."

"You're in love, Tessa, and love makes you do dumb shit."

"Alright, let's stop saying the L word," I state, knowing that's exactly where my feelings lie. "I don't want to hear that word from you again unless you say it to Harry."

"How about the word denial?"

"Get out," I say, rolling my eyes and letting out a tiny, irritated groan as I hit her ass with the back of my purse.

After a brief Uber ride, we pull up to a place I know well, and I can’t help but feel frustrated at whatever force brought me back to Zane, or at least to the memories of the night we spent here.

"What's up?" Just one glance at my face, and she knows something's wrong.

"I should've gotten out more in the last few years because if I knew where we were going, I wouldn't have come."

"Why not?"

"Do you remember that bar over there?" Her eyes widen as I point to the Cordova Lounge behind me.

"Oh my god. Okay, let’s pretend you didn’t have an epic first kiss with the love of your life right outside there."

"Not helping."

I instinctively wrap my arms around my body, seeking comfort and protection. Jen senses it—the way it makes me feel—and she gently wraps her arm around my shoulder, guiding me toward the entrance of the bar we’re heading into. "It’s fine. You can see him over the weekend, kiss and make up, and it’ll all be great."

I could go over to his house to see him, talk to him, and try to unravel my emotions. However, I know exactly how that'll play out—I'll become completely absorbed in him. I'll lose myself inthe way he looks at me—his cinnamon eyes that feel like they search my soul for something he can't have, the way his hands slide over my body with such power, but also as if he can't control himself around me. We could pick up where we left off—it would be that simple—and I could pretend that I wasn't falling in love with him, but I need to figure out how to best protect my heart.

When we're inside the bar, I realize there are way more people here than just Erik and Harry. I immediately want to bail, but it's too late.

"You need to tell your face you're happy to be here." Jen nudges me, and I let out a laugh. "Much better, come on."

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