Chapter 45

Meadow’s POV

My heart stuttered, and I looked away from him.

“Hi, Alaric,” Nova said to him. “Looks like you’ve been busy.”

Alaric let out an amused breath. “Hardly.”

I didn’t say anything, do anything except stare down at the envelope. 

This was too much. Way too much for someone like me even if it wasn’t a show of affection. Nova leaned in to whisper. “I think I’m gonna go, Meds. Will you be okay?”

I opened my mouth, unable to speak for a few seconds, but when my voice finally came out, it was hoarse. “Uh, yeah.” I forced a smile. “Thank you for coming, Nov. Really.”

“Of course.” Nova rose to her feet, smiling back at me despite the heavy concern swirling in her eyes. “Text me later?”

“Promise.”

I didn’t turn to watch her leave. Because if I did, then I would have to look at Alaric who was still standing by the door.

The tension in the air nearly rendered the air conditioning useless and the hair at