It makes no sense.
I don’t know why this hurts like it does.
But it does.
And I can’t let him see it.
I turn away, staring at the ceiling, trying to push it all down. We both knew the deal when this started.Friends with benefits. Nothing else.
But knowing doesn’t stop the ache.
By the time Cassie’s taxi pulls up, we’ve erased every trace of what’s been happening here. Beds made. Towels hung. Every ounce of intimacy swept under the rug like it never existed.
The new room feels all wrong.
It’s on the other side of the building. No balcony. No memories tied to its corners.
And yet—the weight of what’s happened lingers between us, heavy and unspoken.
Because we both know.
This is over.
At least… it’s supposed to be.
thirty-five
. . .
Griffin
The hotel lobby is bustling,but the second Cassie walks in, all wide smiles and energy, she’s impossible to miss.
Avery stands next to me, her arms crossed, looking like she’d rather be anywhere else right now.
Cassie spots us immediately, her face lighting up as she waves. "There you two are!"
Avery forces a smile, stepping forward. "Hey, Cass!"
They hug, and I keep my distance, leaning back on the wall, hands in my pockets.
Cassie pulls back, glancing between the two of us. "So… you guys are still alive. Shocking."
I smirk. "It was tough, but we managed."
Avery shoots me a look, her lips twitching like she’s fighting a laugh.
Cassie waves off the tension. "Well, I booked a room—last minute deal, can you believe it? Anyway, Avery, if you want, you can crash with me for the last night."
Avery hesitates for half a second, her gaze flicking toward me.
I don’t say a word.
Because what am I supposed to say?
No, stay with me? Don’t leave me alone in that empty room where everything smells like you, feels like you?
Well, I guess we really did leave everything behind in that old room…