Chapter 328

After Hayden left, I showered quickly, then flopped onto my bed and grabbed my phone. Lena had sent a message with a picture of Yuna, fast asleep, and a note: "[Yuna is safe.]" Of course, she knew I'd be worried until I knew for sure. I replied, "[Thanks for looking out for her.]"

Almost immediately, Lena's video call appeared. She'd clearly been waiting for my response. I grinned, figuring she was eager to share details about finally making things official with her long-time crush. I answered, and there she was—lounging in her chair, radiating happiness. I could practically feel it through the screen.

I clicked my tongue playfully. "Whoa, someone's got that post-love confession glow. You're shining, girl."

Lena chuckled. "You're being extra."

I skipped the small talk. I was still thinking about how she'd kept Nate guessing for so long. "You know exactly how to play a guy, don't you?"

"Do I?" she said innocently.

"Please. Stop with the 'do I?' act. You know what you're doing," I teased.

Her grin said it all. She wasn't fooling anyone. I recalled hearing Nate confess his feelings, both of them completely unaware of their mutual crush. "Lena, I swear, when I heard Nate say he liked you, I was this close to fist-pumping the air! I genuinely thought you'd jump into his arms right then!"

Lena laughed. "But I didn't, did I?"

"Yeah, and you totally caught me off guard!" I teased. "Were you too stunned to move?"

She smirked. "Oh, I was excited, but I played it cool."

I snorted. "Wow, so strategic."

"You could say that," Lena shrugged, her tone softening. "Rea, I've liked him forever, but, like I told you, I wasn't going to lose myself over it. I didn't want him thinking his feelings were some grand favor."

Her words resonated. She'd said the same thing to me during my struggles with Jace, reminding me to maintain balance. For someone relatively new to love, she handled herself remarkably well.

"You're a total pro," I said, giving her a thumbs-up.

"This is pro level?" Lena scoffed, acting casual.

I mimicked her voice from when she and Nate finally got together: "Nate, I'm hungry."

Lena burst into laughter. "Was I really that cute?"

I pretended to shiver. "Girl, you were so sweet, I felt my bones melting. Seriously, you've got it down—chill when you need to be, but soft when it counts."

"Isn't that what guys like?" she asked. Her casual comment hit harder than I expected. Here I was, after ten years of unrequited love and four years of heartbreak, and Lena was casually dispensing wisdom.

"I surrender. You're the master. From now on, I'll call you love guru," I said, still impressed.

Lena laughed lightly. "Why are you home alone? Where's Hayden?"

"Oh, he went back to his place," I answered casually.

Lena raised her eyebrows, giving me a knowing look. "Let me guess… Aunt Flo's in town?"

I grinned. "Nice try, but nope. Her hubby's here too, and they're both on vacation."

That had Lena cracking up, her laughter contagious. I couldn't help but join in. After a moment, I nudged her. "Okay, enough stalling—spill the tea. What happened after you told Nate you were hungry? Did he, uh… satisfy your needs?" I added some obvious innuendo.

Lena didn't miss a beat. "I'll leave that part to your imagination."

"Come on! Besties don't hold out on each other!" I teased, pushing for more details.

She snorted. "Even besties have limits. Some things are off-limits."

"Okay, fine. But there's something I need to tell you." I suddenly remembered the strange man I'd seen outside her office earlier. It had been bothering me ever since.