Page 102 of Introvert

CHAPTER 16

"Are you going somewhere?" I asked.

London shook her head, but she didn't look up.

"It looks like you're packing."

She sighed, folding a shirt and placing it in her suitcase. "I'm just refolding everything. It's relaxing, Aurora. You should try it."

As I watched London unfold then refold various clothing items, she seemed to lose herself in the repetition.I actually did see how it could be a good, calming distraction.The line between her brows didn't ease though.

"Also, I want to be ready."

"For what?" I prompted.

"Just to leave when the time comes."

I tried to catch her gaze. "But Ryker apologized. I don't think he wants you to go."

She laughed, andit wasn't a happy sound. "He never wanted me here in the first place."

"London, he was jealous."

"I've played that game before, remember? It never worked." London scoffed. "Ryker couldn't care less if I lived or died."

That was one hundred percent false.

She knew it as well as I did.

Before I could tell her, London added, "He was right about one thing. I can't stay here forever."

"Bored with tour life already?" I quipped, hoping to make her smile.

Her lips turned up. "Not with you around."

In the next breath, she sobered.

"Seriously though, I need to get back. My business isn't going to run itself."

My ears perked at that. "What do you do?"

"I create, model and sell my own jewelry," she said.

"That sounds awesome."

"It's just a small online business, but the money's helping pay my way through college."

Intrigued, I asked, "Can I see some of your pieces?"

London nodded then held out her arm. "I designed these bracelets."

"So pretty."

"Yeah, it took me forever to get the beading just right."

The multi-colored bracelets were simple, delicate, and the colors created an ombre effect, going from a deep teal to the palest sky blue.

"I also do friendship bracelets," she said, pointing to a few on her other wrist. "They're my bestseller. I'll make you one if you want."

---