Chapter 506

This time, no tears. It felt like I'd run out—or maybe it was something deeper, finally settling in.

I'd accepted it: Hayden and I were done.

On the drive back, rain came down hard, like it was trying to drown the whole city. I don't know if I was zoned out or if the roads were just slick, but I didn't hit the brakes in time and bumped the car in front of me.

The rain was so intense that neither of us even bothered getting out to check. We just called the police and stayed in our cars.

By the time the police and insurance showed up, the rain had finally eased. I stepped out of the car, and so did the other driver—and we both froze when we saw each other.

"If I'd known it was you, I wouldn't have dragged the cops out in this weather," she said, annoyed, and I could see the young traffic cop roll his eyes.

"You two know each other?" he asked. "You want to settle it privately or go official?".

"Officially," I said.

"Privately," Sasha snapped, right at the same time.

The cop sighe