Chapter 18

“Our house is too quiet—mind if we join your game?” Mrs. Carter asked warmly. We’d always spent New Year’s Eve together before everything changed. This year, Mom politely declined their dinner invitation, but you can’t refuse guests at your doorstep.

Aiden naturally took the seat beside me, watching me play poker. My oblivious cousins peppered us with the usual “when’s the wedding?” jokes. I deflected them smoothly, while Aiden’s jaw tightened with each comment.

At midnight, as everyone went outside for fireworks, he grasped my arm, clearly wanting to talk. Then my phone rang.

Blushing, I pulled away to answer. It was Jake from my Stanford photography club—a Californian with an infectious laugh. Unlike Aiden’s brooding nature, Jake was the kind of guy who could make anyone smile, always armed with a terrible pun or ridiculous story.

He said he called simply to count down the New Year together, not wanting to celebrate alone. I put him on speaker, letting him join our family celebration from across the country.

Before hanging up, he chuckled sheepishly. “Truth is, I just wanted to be the first to wish you Happy New Year. So… Happy New Year, Brooklyn!”

Grinning, I returned the sentiment, chatting for a few more minutes. When I hung up and turned, Aiden stood there, his expression glacial. He’d obviously heard everything.

“Boyfriend?” His voice was rough.

“Not officially,” I replied honestly, after a moment’s consideration.

Aiden remained silent for what felt like an eternity. Just as I was about to rejoin the poker game, he spoke: “Long-distance relationships rarely work out. You should find someone closer to home.”

I nodded, noting the irony. “You’re right—you never truly know someone until you do. I’ll take my time deciding. Thanks for the advice, Aiden. Hope you settle down soon, too.”

My casual response seemed to strike a nerve. Without another word, he vanished into the night.

I shrugged it off—his mood swings were no longer my concern. Amazing how rose-colored glasses could make even red flags appear commonplace.

The rest of break flew by in a flurry of family visits and road trips with my parents. I barely spent any time at home, successfully avoiding further encounters with Aiden.

Break ended too soon, and I was back at Stanford before I knew it. Then, unbelievably, I saw Aiden standing at the university entrance the very next day.