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Chapter SeventyThree

Author: Tory June
last update Last Updated: 2024-12-09 20:42:40

I looked at Tyler, his eyes narrowing slightly as he repeated his question.

"Who's messaging you, Sam?"

The air between us was dense with anxiety. My phone felt like it weighted a hundred pounds in my hand, the screen dimming but the words remained etched in my memory. Ignoring me will not make me go away.

I could not tell him the truth. Not now. Not after all.

"It's just a friend," I said calmly, although my heart racing like a jackrabbit. "Someone from the gallery."

Tyler's eyes lingered, looking for flaws in my demeanor. I held his gaze, forcing myself to remain calm even as my palms sweated.

"A friend," he repeated, his tone bland, but there was a hint of uncertainty.

"Yes," I said firmly, placing my phone in my pocket. "Is that a problem?"

He took out a deep breath and shook his head. "No. "I just thought..."

"You thought what?" I insisted, folding my arms as if I were the offended person. It was easier to remain on the defensive than to let him explore farther.
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