Chapter Thirty-Three

The soft chime of the coffee shop's doorbell welcomed Sasha as she walked in, the warm scent of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods wrapping around her like a comforting blanket. The place was quiet, with just a few early risers scattered around the tables, engrossed in their own little worlds. She spotted Eve sitting in a corner booth, her bright smile already in place as she waved Sasha over.

Sasha had spent the early morning hours at the hospital with Jonathan, who was finally awake and recovering well. Seeing him alert and joking around, even with the bruises still fresh on his face, had lifted a weight off her shoulders. But now, as she approached Eve, that weight was replaced by a mixture of irritation and affection. She wanted to stay mad at her friend—wanted to hold onto the anger she'd felt when she learned that Eve had given her address to a virtual stranger—but Eve's infectious grin made it impossible.

"Hey, you," Eve greeted as Sasha slid into the booth opposite her. "Yo