One hundred and forty-one

Talia's POV:

He looked almost the same but with better sleek hair, warm brown eyes, and a great build. Only the expression on his face was different. It was drawn and tensed, and the wariness in his gaze was like a kick to my stomach.

"Jake . . ." I felt like I was confronting a ghost. "I didn't know you were in town. I thought you were away at Illinois —"

And then I realized the truth. Turning, I looked accusingly at my best friend, who gave me a huge smile in response. "I hope you don't mind, Talia," she said brightly. "I told Jake I was coming to see you this weekend, and he asked to join me. I wasn't sure how you'd feel about that, given everything—" her face reddened a bit, "—so I just mentioned that we'd be here tonight."