Chapter 85: Waffles

The morning was crisp, the air cool, but the sun was trying its best to warm the Earth as it occasionally peeked through the clouds. As Tyler drove us toward my aunt's house, I couldn't help but feel the lingering irritation from my encounter with Ryder.

My phone buzzed repeatedly, disrupting the quiet comfort of the ride. Looking at the screen, I saw three messages from Ryder. With gritted teeth, I silenced the phone, placing it in my purse and leaving it on the floor beside my feet. I wasn't ready to deal with that. Not yet.

We pulled into the driveway of Aunt Mara's house and headed inside, Tyler coming in with me. As we entered, the home shook a little with the rhythmic thumping of Aunt Mara's steps on the treadmill.

"Morning, Aunt Mara," I greeted her as I walked into my room.

She pulled out one earbud, her sweat-glistened face breaking into a smile. "Morning, hun! How was your evening?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with a knowing curiosity.

"Uh... It was good, thanks" I re