lyn

e late in the evening. "Can we mee

check in unless she had an ulterior motive. Still, curiosity tugged at me. What could she

f the city. Dana had chosen the table by the window, naturally. She was already seated,

r smile wide enough to show all

ulling out the chair across f

w she'd been "under the weather." I asked for coffee, no frills. As the waiter left,

ping with concern. "Ever since the party, you've been so...

shortly, taking a

I know how hard this must be for you. I mean, you and Caleb have always bee

oard, each one grating against my pat

x sincerity. "Caleb loves you, Evelyn. He's been a wreck since the part

ding to consider her wor

f her tea instead. Then, as if struck by a sudden idea, she said, "You know, I think he's just

you tell him to reach out if he

lyn, you know how stubborn Caleb can be. He probably thinks he'

lding my arms. "And you care

idn't reach her eyes. "Because I care about you both. You've been together so long;

eated, my tone flat. "

. "I know you think I'm meddling, but I just want to help. I d

, but there was something off about it-too polished, too perfe

," I said, my voice firmer no

ning as though I'd accused her of som

n't drag me out here just to talk abou

might keep up the act, but then she sighed, lowering her gaze. "Fine," she said

letting her word

devastated, Evelyn. He doesn't want to lose you. And honestly, I don't thi

it. Instead, I shrugged, keeping my expression

"Thank you," she said, reaching out to touch my hand briefly.

ut work, mutual acquaintances, and her plans for the upcoming weekend.

lay. Dana thought she was pulling the strings, but I saw through her ac

out, and the house felt too quiet. I placed my bag on the kitchen counter an

e resting on the coffee table. My name was

it open. Inside was a single sheet

ke. Stay in your place

t. A thousand questions raced through my mind. Who

d me made me whip around, my pulse

d myself to calm down. Whoever sent this wanted me

ightening. If they thought this would scare me into su