Chapter 68

Mel's POV

Malcom? Where have I heard that name before? I chew on my lip, trying to remember. "Pat's friend, Malcom?" I ask, my eyes widening with realization.

"Yeah, that's me,” he nods.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to stand you up,” I mumble, suddenly feeling guilty. “As you can see, I've had a lot going on lately.”

Like the champagne-fueled emotional breakdown I just had.

Malcom chuckles lightly. "Oh yeah, I'm not holding anything against you," he replies. "Anyways, I heard you're training the new recruits tomorrow. I guess we'll be seeing a lot of each other."

He sounds eager; excited. Shit, maybe I should be too.

"Wow, that's cool! I don't remember seeing you in high school" I admit quietly.

He shrugs. "I remember you. You graduated early, so you probably only saw the awkward, pre-puberty version of me."

He smiles again and I feel a slow blush creeping up my cheeks. I giggle, way too high-pitched, like a damn schoolgirl. Ugh, why am I so awkward? I never act this way around Jaxon.

"Oh ye