Page 113 of Introvert

"How could I forget?" I said with a smile, watching as Constance ruffled Hayden's hair and pretended to swipe a smudge off his cheek. Instead of pulling away, Hayden laughed and said something that made her smile. "Who's the girl with them?"

"That's Magnolia."

"Ah, Hayden's girlfriend," I said, recalling the name. "He mentions her at least once a day, and his face lights up whenever she calls or texts."

London gave me a look.

"What?" I said. "I'm not judging. It's cute."

"Kind of like you and Fe," she said.

I scoffed a laugh. "We're not like that."

"You do realize you smile whenever his name is mentioned in conversation?"

I didn't.

Was it really that bad?

Had Felix noticed?

Oh my goodness, he must think I'm crazy about him.

Which I was but still. Everything was so new.Maybe I should try and tone it down, so I didn't scare him away.

London laughed at my apparent distress. "Relax. He's just as into you."

"I don't know," I said.

"Well, I do." London tapped my armin affirmation then pointed to someone else. "Hey look, there's the mayor of Honeycomb and her daughters. I heard they're diehard fans."

I nodded.

"Elliot's talking to Nick and Norah, the directors of ourfoster home. Nice of them to make the trip."

Looking at the smiling man and woman, I didn't think they'd come only for the music.

"They're obviously proud of you and Elliot," I said.

She shrugged. "More him than me, I think."

I put my hands on my hips and frowned at that.

"I just mean he's more impressive, done more with his life."

"They complimented your jewelry line. I heard themsay they're proud of you for going to college to get your degree and ask if you'd make bracelets for the kids in the home."

"Yeah, free labor.Who'd turn that down?"

I pinched her arm, and she yelped in surprise.

"Aurora!" she said, rubbing her skin. "What was that for?"

"Just a reminder."

"Of what?"

"You're my friend, and that means no one talks bad about you. Not even you."

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