Page 141 of The Rookie

Cassie blinks. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah. Just hitting the bathroom."

I step away before either of them can say anything else, heading for the far end of the terrace, trying to breathe past the tightness in my chest.

Because it’s hitting me now.

Hard.

She’s leaving.

And no matter how much I want to stop her?—

I can’t.

The hallway outside the bathroom is quiet, the noise from the rooftop bar muffled, though I can still hear the faint strumming of the guitarist in the background.

I lean back against the wall, my hands shoved into my pockets, my mind racing with everything I don’t want to think about.

Then—I hear her footsteps.

I glance up as Avery rounds the corner, her face unreadable, her arms crossed loosely in front of her.

"What’re you doing over here?" she asks, her voice light but curious.

"Waiting for the bathroom," I reply, shrugging.

She tilts her head, watching me for a beat too long. Then—she steps closer.

"What are you thinking about?" she asks softly.

I hesitate.

And then, because why the hell not—I tell her the truth.

"Safe words."

Her eyebrows shoot up. "What about them?"

I smirk, my voice dropping. "I know yours."

She blinks, surprised, but then she laughs softly, shaking her head. "You know," she says after a moment, her voice quieter, almost thoughtful. “This might sound corny. I’ve never felt as safe as I do with you. Did.”

My chest tightens.Did.

We’re a past tense thing now.

"I just wish…" She hesitates, biting her lip. "I guess I wish we had more time."

"I don’t think we’d ever have enough time," I admit, the words slipping out before I can stop them.

She lets out a breathy laugh, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "Stop being all mushy. We both knew what this was temporary.”

"Yeah, I know," I say, forcing a smirk. "I’m just kidding. You know I’m happy for you."

She studies me for a long moment, her gaze softer now. "It’s been a hell of a trip."

I nod, my jaw tightening. "Sure has. But I bet Spain will be fun, too."

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