Hello 506
Chapter 506
This time, no tears. It felt like I'd run out-or maybe it was something deeper, finally settling in
I'd accepted it: Hayden and | were done.
On the drive back, rain cdown hard, like it was trying to drown the whole city. | don't know if | was zoned out
or if the roads were just slick, but | didn't hit the brakes in tand bumped the car in front of
1. me.
The rain was so intense that neither of us even bothered getting out to check. We just called the police and
stayed in our cars.
By the tthe police and insurance showed up, the rain had finally eased. | stepped out of the car, and so did
the other driver-and we both froze when we saw each other.
"If I'd known it was you, | wouldn't have dragged the cops out in this weather," she said, annoyed, and | could
see the young traffic cop roll his eyes.
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"You two know each other?" he asked. "You want to settle it privately or go
"Officially," | said.
"Privately," Sasha snapped, right at the stime.
The cop sighed. "Pick one, or | start writing it up."
"Officially. We have insurance," | insisted.
official?".
Sasha just rolled her eyes. "If we go official, they'll tow our cars, and then we're stuck waiting on repairs. Total
hassle for something this tiny."
She wasn't wrong-it'd be a nightmare to deal with the rain without my car. But, knowing her, she could probably
get a replacement with a single phone call. She just wanted to skip the headache. Still, | pushed to keep it
official, asking the police and insurance folks to go ahead and assess the cars right there.
Just as | was about to leave, a tiny, sweet voice called out from Sasha's car.
"Miss, Miss!" cthe little voice.
| turned to see Milly's adorable face peeking out the window, and couldn't help but smile as | walked over. "Hey,
Milly! Long tno see."
"Will you stay with me? It's my birthday today," she said, catchingtotally off guard. It felt impossible to
say no.
Sasha smirked. "You ran into my car, so it's like fate brought you to our doorstep."
Alright, so she was going to ropeinto this, huh?
But it was Milly's birthday, and there was no way | could just walk off. "How about | take you out to pick a
birthday present, Milly?"
She shook her head. "I don't need a gift; | just want you to spend twith me."
Chapter 506
#25 BONUS
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Her words hit me, remindingof the first t| met her. As Thorsten's daughter, she had everything she could
ever want-except people who showed up for her.
"Please?" she asked, her big eyes hopeful.
Something insoftened. "Okay." | said with a smile. And you can just callKeira."
"Perfect!" Sasha grinned. "Let's head back together, Keira. Everything's ready at home."
| hadn't seen Sasha much, but each time, she left a whole new impression. The first time, she was all charm;
next, she coff petty and jealous, then almost vulnerable, like she was just as alone as the rest of us. "Going
to your place is... kinda inconvenient for me," | admitted, trying to keep it real.
If it was Milly's birthday. Thorsten would probably be there, and maybe even Cole. The last thing | wanted was to
get tangled up with them.
Sasha, clearly reading my hesitation, shrugged. "No inconvenience. Thorsten's not doing well, so he won't be
there," she said, then nodded at Milly. "It'll just be us and her."
With that reassurance-and Milly looking up atwith those big, hopeful eyes-what else could | say?
Once the traffic cop and insurance rep were done, a car Sasha had called pulled up. "They'll tow ours for repairs.
We'll take this one," she said smoothly.
Milly was already clutching my hand and looked up, reaching out to be carried.