I barely slept after Julian stormed out of my apartment. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his face twisted with that possessive rage, heard his threats echoing in my mind. By morning, I felt hollow, like someone had scooped out my insides and left only a shell.
I needed coffee. And Chloe.
The campus coffee shop buzzed with the usual morning crowd when I arrived. I spotted Chloe in our usual corner, already nursing what was probably her second espresso.
"You look like hell," she said as I slumped into the chair across from her.
"Thanks. That's exactly what every girl wants to hear." I rubbed my eyes, which felt gritty from lack of sleep.
Chloe slid her untouched second cup toward me. "I got you your usual. Figured you'd need it."
I wrapped my hands around the warm cup, inhaling the rich aroma. "You're a lifesaver."
"So," she leaned forward, lowering her voice, "are you going to tell me what happened? Your texts last night were cryptic as hell."
