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Jack runs a hand through his hair, his biceps straining against his white dress shirt.

On a long-drawn-out breath, he slaps his hand against his thigh, his gaze dropping to the floor. “Nothing that you need to be concerned about, Kendra.”

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

KENDRA

It’s fair to say that fate hasn’t exactly been on my side lately, and apparently, not much has changed as I push through the entrance of Rise Up to find Tyler already seated at the same table I shared with Jack not all that long ago.

With coffees and cakes already in front of him, he waves his arm in the air to attract my attention.

“Hey,” Tyler greets me cautiously as I take Jack’s previous seat and hang my jacket on the back of the chair, setting a duffel bag down beside me.

“I, um …” He points at the blueberry muffin and millionaire shortbread on the plate in front of me. “I wasn’t sure which one you preferred, so I went with both.” He smiles. “I know you like blueberry and chocolate, so I figured they were the best options.”

I continue staring down at the treats in front of me, not really processing what he’s saying, consequently allowing my mouth to get ahead of my brain. “I’m actually going through a bit of a scone phase right now, but these are also delicious. So, thank you.”

Tyler tips his head to the side, his hands clasped together on the table. “You’ve never mentioned that before, but if you want me to change it …”

“No, no, it’s fine,” I rush out and then clear my throat, frustrated with myself for saying anything in the first place. “So, you wanted to talk?”

With his left hand, Tyler scratches his temple. “Yeah, I do.”

“What about?” I ask, determined for him to show his cards and lead the conversation if only for once in his life.

The time it takes him to speak again is probably only a couple of seconds, but it feels like forever. “About us.”

Adding a sweetener to my coffee, I pick up my spoon and begin stirring—any excuse to avoid eye contact. I don’t want to be rude, but the atmosphere between us feels awkward, and I’m struggling to sit through it.

Return his bag to him and find closure, Kendra.

I draw in a breath before I speak. “There isn’t an ‘us’ anymore, Tyler. I thought I was here so we could clear the air and move on.”

Reaching down, I pick up his duffel bag and hold it above the table between us. “I think this is everything you left at my place. There wasn’t much, so I could fit it all in here.”

I continue holding the bag on an outstretched arm, but when Tyler doesn’t take it, I finally find the courage to look at him.

“Take it, please.”

His face is full of frustration when he reaches out and hooks his hand around one of the straps. “This is your bag.”

“Keep it,” I reply, waving a hand in front of me. “It’s an old college one I don’t use anymore.”

General conversations go on around us, punctuated by the clatter of plates and noise from the coffee machine as I wait for Tyler to speak again.

He pulls at the back of his neck and looks toward the ceiling. “I’m sorry.”

I nod my head in acknowledgement. I wasn’t necessarilylooking for an apology, but I appreciate the fact that I have one, even if it’s years overdue.

“Can we at least try and be friends?” Tyler asks.

I think we both know the chances of us being friends are slim, especially since the only thing we have in common is the city we live in. But I don’t want to risk another argument.

“Sure,” I reply, offering my best but ultimately weak smile.

Tyler pulls out his phone and starts scrolling. I force back an eye roll. He never could give me his full attention; the pull of social media and engagement updates on his latest post always proved way more captivating to him.

He presses his lips together in thought. “In that case, I think it’s a good idea for us to go to the gala next week as a couple. I know we’d be friends, but my mom and dad have been asking questions about us since they read rumors that we’d parted on bad terms, and Dad’s concerned that it reflects badly on my character. So, if we go together and make it clear we’re attending as friends, then I guess that would help.”