Chapter Nineteen

She began walking towards me, slowly and steadily striding as though she was citing her footsteps. My legs were already weak, and my eyes felt dilated just from watching her. Was she seeing how vulnerable and stupidly in love I was with her?

" Hey Cole," she called out in her usual bedroom voice that always made my cork twitch.

My voice was lost, but still, I pulled myself together to avoid the embarrassment I was already going through. " Riri?"

She smiled and nodded her head, with her eyes half-closed. She raised her eyes and was now looking directly into my face. " You missed me?"

I wanted to scream yes to the world and jump up with full happiness, but something stopped me.

Gabrielle.

She came right on time. She walked in confidence and pride as usual. When she walked up to Rachel's side, she nudged her with her shoulder causing her to move out of the way. Rachel stumbled but didn't fall. I watched all the drama unfold right in front of me.

Gabrielle slipped her hand into mine and