Running into Alice at a bar this late was the last thing I expected.

Lately, I’d been so wrapped up in my own mess that I hadn’t been paying her enough attention. But that didn’t mean I’d stopped caring—not even close.

Alice stood out in her mint-green dress—modest, elegant, and completely out of place in the chaotic bar scene.

I didn’t call out to her. Instead, I trailed behind her, curiosity and unease growing with each step. What ...