⊰ 26 ⊱ Drowning Sorrows

The invitation to Anna and Amelia’s party sits on my desk, a glaring reminder of the commitment I made weeks ago. I stare at it, my fingers tracing the embossed lettering as I try to muster up some semblance of excitement.

Clubs have never been my thing, the pulsing music and crowded dance floors making my skin crawl with anxiety. And after the disastrous not-so-date with Cade last week, the last thing I want to do is put on a brave face and pretend everything’s okay.

We’ve barely spoken a word to each other outside of work, the tension between us heavy in every interaction, every stolen glance across the office. It’s like we’re strangers again—two people who just happen to occupy the same space.

It’s killing me.

I try to push him from my mind, to focus on the endless string of tasks and projects that demand my attention. But it’s harder than I thought it would be, especially when the memory of his touch, hi