The rest of the drive is quieter, but it's different now—less like a weapon and more like a truce.

We pull into her driveway, and she pauses before getting out. "Thanks for the ride."

"Anytime," I reply, watching her walk away.

The stark realization I'm having right now is that for her, I'd try anything. Even if it means facing all the shit I've been running from.

18. Carnivals And Confrontations

CHAPTER 18

CARNIVALS AND CONFRONTATIONS

NORA

Calling it a distraction would be like calling a hurricane a light breeze. For the past hour, I've been hopelessly replaying Nate's words from our earlier car ride, each syllable etching itself deeper into my consciousness.

It's not about you.

The way he wouldn't meet my eyes, the tense set of his jaw making the muscle tick beneath his skin—none of it sat right. My fingers hover over the keyboard, the blank document's cursor blinking accusingly. Nate's presence weaves through my thoughts like smoke, stubborn and persistent. We said we'd try to be okay, but what does "okay" even mean when every glance between us feels charged with a thousand unspoken words?

I force my eyes back to the screen, its harsh light burning my tired eyes. I should be focused on Alfie's story. When he talked about Gracie, something in me stirred—a flicker of inspiration that's been dead for too long.

Jake's voice cuts through the silence. "If you need a muse for your main character then I volunteer as tribute."

I look up to see him lounging against the doorway, a familiar smirk playing on his lips. The sight of him, so effortlessly casual, makes me smile—this is how simple friendship should be. I laugh, shaking my head, grateful for the momentary escape from my thoughts.

"I'll keep that in mind for the next one. I think I'm onto something. It's not fully formed yet, though."

"Oh?" A grin spreads across his face. "Do tell."

"It's actually about Alfie," I manage, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I went back to the bookstore. He told me more about how him and Gracie met, and it got me thinking about a story I could write. Their story." The words feel inadequate, unable to capture the depth of what I'd witnessed in Alfie's eyes when he spoke of her.

"Well knowing Alfie and the life he's lived, I don't doubt it'll be anything short of incredible. Especially if you're writing it." He winks, his grin turning cheeky.

Jake pulls out a chair, the sound scraping against my nerves. "Are you sure you don't want to hit up the carnival tonight? Could be a good distraction. Might even help spark that idea into life."

I hesitate, then shake my head. "I'm good. I've had my fair share of drama already. Besides, I really want to dive into this story while I'm still feeling inspired."