Page 99 of Ink & Stardust

“You’re looking at it.” She gestures at nothing in particular.

“Well, in that case, you have to come with me. Nina’s here somewhere, and she’s going to be so excited to see you.”

“Nina’s here?” Char seems visibly excited by the news.

“Who’s Nina?” I ask, feeling a little out of the loop.

“She’s one of my high school friends. I haven’t seen her in months. She goes to school on the other side of the state. What’s she doing here?” The last part is aimed at Brock.

“She’s just in for the weekend for her sister’s baby shower tomorrow. I didn’t even know she was in town until I ran into her a little bit ago. Come on, let’s go find her.” He snags Charlotte’s free hand.

“Come on, Lyric. You’re going to absolutely love Nina.”

“Actually, I think I’m going to run to the bathroom really quick. Okay if I just catch up with you?”

She gives me a look like there isn’t a chance in hell she’s leaving me by myself.

“I’ll be fine,” I promise.

“I can stay with her,” Owen offers.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I don’t mind.” He turns to Brock. “You two go ahead. I’ll walk Lyric to the bathroom and we’ll find you right after.”

Char waits for my okay, which I quickly give her.

“Go ahead. We’re good here.”

“Okay. Don’t be long,” she tells me, her gaze swinging to Owen. “You better bring her back to me without a hair on her head out of place,” she warns.

“Scout’s honor.” He chuckles, holding up three fingers.

Satisfied with his response, she allows Brock to pull her from the room.

“You really don’t have to stay with me,” I tell Owen as soon as they’re gone.

“I don’t mind at all. I was actually hoping I’d run into you eventually. I think I owe you an apology.”

“Me? I’m pretty sure you were the one who almost died.” I take a drink of my beer, my throat suddenly parched.

“That might be a little over exaggerated, but yes, Kai definitely put me in my place, and he was right to do it. I never should have—”

“We’re all good,” I’m quick to cut him off.

“So, I don’t have to worry about your boyfriend trying to kill me anymore?”

“He’s not my boyfriend.” I hiss. “He’s not my anything anymore,” I speak past the thick knot that lumps in my throat, “and I donotwant to talk about it, so please don’t ask.”

“I wasn’t going to.”

“Thank you.” I blow out a hard breath.

“Friends?” He extends his hand to me, a peace offering I happily accept.

“Friends,” I agree, wrapping my fingers around his in a quick shake.

“Now that we’ve got that out of the way.” He smiles, and I’m reminded once again why I found him so attractive in the beginning. He has an adorable charm that’s hard to ignore. “I believe you needed to use the facilities, correct?”

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