Chapter 57

Reagan's POV

“A…” I started, but before I could say more, she interrupted me with a soft chuckle.

“You actually answered,” Andrea murmured, her voice faint, tinged with disbelief. “Here I was thinking you wouldn’t, considering you’ve been avoiding me.” There was a softness to her words, the hint of sadness buried beneath her attempt at lightness.

I could hear the loud background music through the phone, telling me exactly where she was. A familiar heaviness settled in my chest. "Stay there, I'm coming," I said before hanging up.

I stood for a moment, taking a deep breath before I walked out of the room.

***

As soon as I entered the bar, the loud music hit me, mixing with the smell of alcohol and sweat. My eyes quickly found Jacob, standing nearby, his posture rigid. Across from him, slumped at a table, was Andrea, drinking alone.

"How is she?" I asked, keeping my voice low as I approached.

Jacob's gaze flicked to Andrea before answering, "She’s been here a while… won’t talk to anyone,