Page 69 of If the Stars Align

“But most importantly,” I continue, ignoring her last thought, “I couldn’t do that to Dex. He felt threatened by my friendship with Jeremy. He even asked me if I was cheating on him.”

Sam’s eyes widen. “The plot thickens.”

I take another sip of wine. “Yeah.”

“Well, keep me posted. And if this love triangle ends with Jeremy and Dex dueling for the honor of your hand, please let me know so I can be there to watch.”

I smirk. “Who would you root for?”

She scratches her head. “Hmm.You, of course! I’ll always be rooting for you to be happy.”

My eyes tear up. I give her a hug. “Thanks, Sam.” When I pull away, I spot her empty wine glass. “Do you want a refill?”

She winces. “I shouldn’t. I actually have to get some work done tonight. I know it’s lame. I brought my laptop.”

“Hey, I totally get it. This isn’t college anymore. We’re in the big leagues now. Do you want to work in my bedroom? You can sleep in my bed tonight too. I’ll take the couch.”

“Are you sure? I’m happy to stay out here.”

“Don’t worry about it. I fall asleep studying on this couch all the time. I’m used to it.”

She laughs. “Thank you.”

But long after she goes to sleep, I’m still lying awake, staring at the ceiling. Talking to Sam about Paris, and reliving that last night with Dex, has my mind spiraling.

Dex’s panic attack terrified me. I was so worried about him.

I still am. It keeps me up at night, sometimes.

We may not be together anymore, but I will never not love him.

I need to know that he’s okay.

I turn to face my cell phone, sitting on the coffee table. Then I pick it up and call him. He answers on the first ring.

“Hey,” he says, surprised.

“Hi.” I bite my lip. “I hope I’m not calling too late.”

“It’s fine. I was awake.”

“Did you finish making the movie?”

I hear him smile. “Yeah. I did.”

“How did it go?”

“I’m proud of it, Sunny. I’m glad I didn’t quit. You were right. Thank you.”

I nod silently.

Dex clears his throat. “I also wanted to say—I’m sorry.”

I shake my head. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“I didn’t mean to scare you in Paris. I was just going through a hard time. But I got back to LA a couple of weeks ago and started therapy. I’m already feeling a lot better.”

“Really?”