Page 144 of Introvert

All the words I'd been holding inside made a bid for freedom. I clenched my teeth to prevent them from escaping. If I wasn't careful, I'd end up spilling my emotions all overthis dance floor, and I didn't want that. I wastrying to waitfor the perfect moment to tell him. But he was making it really difficult.

Breaking our stare, I looked past his shoulder.

The couple who'd been swaying there moved, and I spotted Ryker leaning against the far wall.

"I see your brother," I said.

Felix glanced back and nodded. "Yeah, that's him."

"He looks broody."

"London must be close by."

Ryker was staring hard at something on the other side of the room, and as I followed his gaze, I discovered what—or rather who—had caught his attention. Felix must've seen her too because he paused. London was seated at a table by herself, wearing a gorgeous mint green saree,picking at a piece of cake. As the song drew to a close and another began, the two of us started walking that way. London's head came up as we drew near, and she let out a happy squeal.

Felix held out his arms, but she ran right past him, wrapping me up in a hug so tight I could barely breath.

"Aurora!" she said. "You're here!"

"Yeah," I wheezed, "just got back."

London released mewith a laugh. "Sorry, I'm just so happy to see you."

"That's okay. I'm willing to sacrifice a few ribs for this friendship."

She laughed again.

Felix stepped forward and said, "Where's my hug?"

But London only spared him a brief glance.

"Sorry, Fe"—she sniffed—"I'm not speaking to any Cordovas right now."

Felix backed awaywith his hands up. "Message received.I'll get lost so you two can talk." He gave me a nod. "Call if you need me."

After he walked off, London smiled at me, and we each took a seat.

"So, what's happened since I left?" I asked.

"Nothing," she said. "I've been so bored without you."

I glanced at the party surrounding us then sent her a pointed look. "Is that how you ended up here?"

"Aurora, I think we should talk about you."

"My dad's fine—thank goodness—Felix came to get me, and I'm back. Nothing more to tell."

"But Feand the jet? Come on, I know your heart had to be melting."

"It so was…but stop trying todistract me.London, what are you doing at this family reunion, and where did you get those beautiful clothes?"

London staredme down, but I wouldn't relent. Shewas going through something. Sheobviously needed to get several thingsoff her chest. I wantedher to know I had her back.

Finally, she sighed. "Iended up here completely by chance.Fatima Singh, who runs this every year, let me borrow the clothes—we met asI was walking in, and she's the loveliest. Basically, Idecided to take a page out of your book."

I tilted my head. "How's that?"

"I needed a break. I missed my friend. Without you there, I had no one to talk to,and Ryker asked me again when I was leaving. You know, being his usual charming self. So, I thought, why don't I? Therewas nothing stopping me, so I left."

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