Chapter 9

The restaurant was elegant and luxurious.I told the hostess I was waiting for someone and she led me to a secluded corner with candles on the table.It was February 14th,after all.I thanked her and asked for sparkling water as I settled in to wait.And wait.

Three hours later,after sending numerous texts without getting a response,I gave up on the evening and ordered a salad and more water for myself.Was this some kind of joke?Jaiden hadn’t seemed to be the kind of person to do something like this,but then,what did I know?Apparently,I was a poor judge of character.

I left the restaurant and decided not to go home right away.I didn’t want to deal with Anderson and Albert going at it,or their sympathetic glances when the story came pouring out.Instead,I wandered the streets,taking in the sight of couples huddled together in the cold,some kissing,others holding hands.