Page 30 of Symphony for Lies

“Promise you’ll reachout. No matter what!”

I swallowed and gave Layla a slight nod.

The tension slowly faded. Before I could change the topic, a familiar scent of fresh aftershave filled the air, drawing my attention.

“Good evening, Amelia.”

I turned around and, to my surprise, came face-to-face with Officer Wilson.

Confused, I greeted him back.

“I see you’re doing better than you were this morning,” he noted.

He wasn’t in uniform. Instead, he wore dark blue jeans that emphasized his long legs and a black sweater that hung a little loose on his broad frame.

His hair, which was usually neatly styled, fell over his forehead in a messy, effortless way.

It was… different.

And surprisingly charming.

He looked younger, more relaxed, and utterly different from the stern police officer I had met.

“Officer Wilson, to what do I owe the honor?” I asked, feeling a little shy under his gaze.

“Please, call me Spencer. I’m off duty. Some old friends invited me out.” He tilted his head toward the second floor, where a group of men were grinning at us from the railing.His lips curled into a small smile.“I just saw you and wanted to say hello… and ask for a little favor.”

He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. “My friends made a bet that I wouldn’t have the guts to approach a woman and get her number. I’ll win if you just put your number in my phone. Help me out?”

That was unexpected.

I glanced up at his friends. Beyond them was a crowd of people lingering on the upper floor, and I immediately felt like eyes were everywhere, watching me.

A cold shiver ran down my spine.

I quickly looked away, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear and trying to shake the uneasy feeling.

That’s when I noticed my friends were glaring daggers at Officer Wilson.

He took a step back as if sensing the hostility.

“Sure, Officer Wils—I mean, Spencer.”

He sighed in relief and handed me his phone.

I quickly typed in my number and handed it back.

“Thanks. You’re a lifesaver. I owe you one.” He cleared his throat, nodding politely at my friends.“Didn’t mean to interrupt. Hope you all have a great night.”

When he turned to leave,Layla muttered, “You, too, Casanova.”

All my friends turned to me with questioning looks.

“That’s the cop I told you about,” I quickly explained.

Tiana’s and Layla’s expressions relaxed slightly, but Layla’s did not. She still stared hard at me like I had just committed a crime.“I don’t care if he’s a cop. He shouldn’t be using you for some foolish boys’ game.”

I shrugged.“It’s just a phone number. He already has it anyway.”