Chapter 7

Seven hours later, the sun had almost disappeared behind the mountains, leaving the sky washed in deep blues and the first hints of moonlight. I could see the moon rising as I finally made it back into the valley. It was a quarter to eight when I dropped off Angela, Brianna, and Natalie at their houses, one by one, until it was just me alone in the car.

A few minutes from home, my phone buzzed loudly against the console. I ignored it. Texting and driving were the last thing I needed — I’d seen too many accidents caused by that. Whatever it was could wait.

When I pulled into the driveway, parking next to my dad’s car, I finally unplugged my phone from the charger and texted him that I was home. He unlocked the door for me.

Then I texted Finn.

Me: Hey, I just got home. Are you home currently?

He responded almost immediately.

Finn: I’m home. I was going to ask if you had any plans tomorrow.

My curiosity sparked.

Me: I don’t. Why?

A moment later:

Finn: I wanted to see if you wanted to go out on a date, maybe? It’s okay if you don’t. I’ll understand. I don’t want to push it.

My heart did a little flip.

Me: I’d love to. What time tomorrow?

Finn: 5 p.m.? Does that work? I’ll have something planned for us.

Me: Sounds like a plan. I can’t wait for tomorrow.

I smiled to myself, grabbed my bags, my charger, and my phone, then stepped out of the car. The front door was already unlocked, so I slipped inside and shut it behind me.

In my room, I dropped everything onto the floor and plugged my phone into its usual charger by the bed. I kicked off my slippers and collapsed onto the mattress, phone in hand.

I opened the group chat.

Me: What’s everyone up to? I just got home and I’m laying in my comfortable bed. I’ll send all the photos I took from our trip.

Brianna replied first.

Brianna: Not much. Hanging out with Natalie at my house, watching TV.

Angela chimed in next.

Angela: I’m on a date with Jacob right now.

Me: Ooh, I hope you’re having fun and staying safe.

Angela: I am! We went out to eat and then mini golfing.

Brianna: Fun.

I started sending all the photos I’d taken — the waterfall, the hikes, the fire pit, the goofy selfies. Angela thanked me, and I told them I might go to sleep early because the drive had drained me.

Then I saw a new message from Finn.

Finn: I had a lot of fun these past couple of days. I’m glad I got to spend time with you.

I smiled.

Me: I had fun too. It was a nice little getaway — helped me clear my head.

Finn: I’m happy to hear that. We wanted to make sure you didn’t stress about anything… until you‑know‑who decided to message you like crazy.

I sighed.

Me: Yeah… I’m not too worried about it. But I’m heading to bed soon. Good night. Talk to you tomorrow.

Finn: Goodnight.

I set my phone down for a moment, but something tugged at me. Chase’s messages. I hadn’t looked at them since earlier.

I opened them.

There were a lot.

And then the most recent one:

Chase:

Hey, I hope everything is well with you. I’ve been thinking about you. You’ve been on my mind lately. I want us to start over and try again. I still have feelings for you, and I want to work things out. I am with Evelyn, but it hasn’t been the same since you broke up with me a few years back. I’ve changed. I hope we can talk and catch up.

I stared at the screen, my chest tightened with a mix of anger, confusion, and something I didn’t want to name.

For a moment, I considered replying.

Then I didn’t.

Not tonight.

Maybe tomorrow. Maybe later. Maybe when I was ready to set boundaries and make it clear that I wasn’t going back.

I placed my phone beside me, letting it charge, and closed my eyes.

Sleep came quickly — and for the first time in a long time, it wasn’t heavy.