Page 3 of Silver Flirt

More like I tore her heart out and did the cha-cha on it.

I close my eyes, the memory of that day still painfully clear even after all these years as I start to tell Celeste the whole story.

I had planned to ask Melissa to prom. But when the time came, I froze, the words sticking in my throat. I just couldn’t do it. Couldn’t risk our friendship, risk losing her if she didn’t feel the same way.

So, like the pathetic coward I was, I changed course at the last second. I told Melissa I needed help asking our school’s sluttiest cheerleader, Amber Freemont to prom. That I wanted her advice on what to write.

I’ll never forget the way the light in Melissa’s eyes dimmed that day, the way her smile faltered for a split second before she forced it back into place.

She helped me write the note. Gave me pointers on what to say, even though I could tell it killed her to do it. And then she left without another word.

Things were never the same between us after that.

She still tutored me. Still helped me pass my classes and graduate. But the easy rapport we’d once shared was gone, replaced by a cold, professional distance.

I broke her trust that day, shattering our special bond. And I’ve never forgiven myself for it.

“Yeah, I don’t know Bash. That sounds messy,” Celeste replies when I’m done. “What if she’s married now? Or has a boyfriend who won’t like the idea of you showing up out of the blue?”

“She doesn’t have a boyfriend,” I reply without thinking.

“How do you know?”

Shit. I walked right into that one.

I shrug, trying to play it cool. “I follow her on social media.”

Celeste snorts. “Right. So basically, you’re stalking her.”

“I am not stalking her,” I snap, even as a flush creeps up my neck. “Jesus, fuck. I just like to know what she’s up to. That’s all.”

And it’s the truth.

Over the years, I’ve found myself checking Melissa’s profiles more times than I care to admit. Scanning her posts for any mention of a man in her life. Some days, it’s the only thing that keeps me sane.

Pathetic, I know. But I can’t help it.

I’m still hung up on Melissa fucking Graham. Even after all this time.

Malcolm watches me with a knowing look in his eyes. “Are you sure this is just about the case? It sounds to me like there’s more to it than that.”

Irritation spikes through me. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

He holds up his hands in a placating gesture. “Easy, man. I’m just saying, it seems like there’s some unfinished business between you two. And maybe going to her for help isn’t only about the foundation.”

“Of course it’s about the foundation,” I snap, even as a small, traitorous part of me whispers that he might be onto something. “Those girls are my priority. I’m not going to let them down because of my ancient history with Melissa.”

I stand abruptly. “You know what? I don’t have to explain myself to you. To either of you.”

“Where are you going?”

I snatch my keys off the table. “Houston.”

Chapter Two

MELISSA

“I can’t believe Peter wants to cut the pro bono program,” I sigh into the phone, leaning back in my office chair. “These cases mean everything to me.”

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