Page 39 of Tangled In Lies

What other secrets are you keeping, my fallen angel?

Chapter 11

Evangeline

The bell above the door chimes as I walk into my favorite coffee shop the following day. It’s a small corner shop just a few blocks away from campus, and they have the most delicious drinks and treats.

Tyler looks up from behind the counter and smiles at me. “There you are.”

His smile falters the second he glances over my shoulder.

I don’t need to turn around to know what he sees.

My mountain of a silent shadow.

At least he didn’t complain when I asked if we could stop here since that’s my usual morning go-to before school.

The place is quiet, with a few patrons sitting in the black booths off to one side.

I approach the counter, where Tyler has already started making my coffee.

He keeps sending me glances, scanning me from head to toe as if to make sure I’m still in one piece.

Once he’s done with my large caramel macchiato, he brings it over and leans closer. “Are you feeling better?”

I nod. “Much better, thank you.”

He studies me as if he’s trying to figure out if I’m telling the truth. “Everything else okay too? You seemed upset at the party.”

My lips tip up at the corners. “Oh yeah. It was just such a big shock. You know I don’t like surprises.”

He chuckles. “Sometimes they can be good, like when I add extra caramel or whipped cream to your drink.”

“That’s true.” I huff a laugh and reach for my drink.

Instead of giving it to me, Tyler grabs my hand.

My instinct is to pull back, aware of Holden behind me, who probably reports everything I do back to Phoenix. Tyler is my friend, and he doesn’t deserve to be dragged into this mess.

He stares at me with big eyes. “You know I’m here if you need me, right? If you need help, I’m your guy.”

My heart races with worry for him, and I take the cup he pushes my way. “Thank you. I’m just trying to lie low right now, but I really appreciate it.”

He gets the point and turns toward the glass case to his left. “What do you feel like today? Sweet or savory?”

Grateful for the distraction, I let my gaze roam over the food behind the glass case—muffins, cupcakes, croissants, sandwiches—and stop when I see the wraps.

“A spinach, feta, and egg white wrap, please.”

He chuckles. “See, that was a good surprise, right?”

I’ve been whining for weeks about them not having my favorite wrap since they had supplier issues.

“Definitely.” I watch him with a smile as he rings me up.

He’s matured in the last few years since I’ve known him. Still as good-looking as before, but now he’s also grown intohis broad shoulders. He’s a nice guy and a good friend, even after our drunken one-night stand. It’s too bad I never had any romantic feelings for him.

I pay, grab my coffee and paper bag, and give him a wave. “Thanks, Ty.”

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