Chapter 5

I got to the café ten minutes ahead of time the next day.

Chelsea had wanted to come with me, but I turned her down.

It was a battle I could only fight on my own.

She couldn't convince me, so she kept reminding me, "If anything feels off, call me. I'll be at the bookstore across the street."

I chose a spot deeper inside, with my back to the door. I didn't want Roxanne to catch my expression right as she walked in.

At 2:58, the door chime rang. Through the glass reflection, I saw a girl in a…