As soon as we stepped into the bar, I noticed how the atmosphere shifted. The lively chatter and laughter dulled as heads turned toward me, their gazes filled with thinly veiled curiosity.
The group of Tobias’ and Lewis’ friends suddenly became guarded, as though they knew a secret I was not yet privy to.
In the center of it all stood Lewis and Katrina.
They were engaged in a love shot, their arms intertwined as they downed their drinks, radiating a kind of closeness that sent a sharp pang through my chest.
Lewis spotted me first.
Stumbling slightly from the alcohol, he abandoned his drink and made his way over to me, a sloppy grin plastered across his face.
“Oh, Grace, you came too,” he slurred, the sour smell of alcohol clinging to him.
I held my composure, though my voice betrayed my irritation. “Why didn’t you answer my calls?”
He waved a dismissive hand, his tone casual. “Oh, my phone’s battery died. I’m sorry.”
My jaw tightened at his nonchalance.
Before I could press him further, someone from the group called out with a laugh, “Wow, Tobias, look at your sister and your friend! They’re already fighting as soon as they meet.”