Camila's Pov
I keep the phone pressed to my ear a beat too long, even though the call is clearly over. Elle's voice is still bouncing around in my head. She's hanging in there and surely that has to mean something, right? I finally lower the phone, stare at the black screen like it might offer reassurance, then shove it into my bag and move on.
The café comes rushing back to life, cups clinking, quiet chatter, someone laughing way too loud, the espresso machine hissing like it's judging everyone in the room. The smell of fresh coffee wraps around me, and before I know it, I'm smiling for real. The lightness still feels strange, but I decide not to overthink it. I'll take the win.
II reach for my bag and my coffee, sliding off the chair when...
"Camila?"
My heart does a small, dramatic jump. I turn slowly, half-expecting him to disappear if I blink.
He doesn't.
Adrian stands just outside the café doors. Very real. Very inconvenient.
