PART 2

I stood frozen on the polished marble floor, utterly soaked in sticky matcha, watching Connor tenderly caress Bridgett’s wrist while treating me like an uninvited nuisance.

Bridgett leaned into his shoulder and flashed me a cold, triumphant smile that radiated pure malice.

“You should really gather your things and exit the building before you embarrass yourself further,” Bridgett whispered softly.

I slowly looked away from her smirking face and pointed directly at the glimmering bracelet on her wrist.

“Where exactly did you acquire that timepiece?” I inquired, keeping my voice remarkably steady.

PART 3: The Answer He Chose

Bridgett’s hand flew to the watch as though I had accused her of stealing the building itself.

Connor followed my gesture, and for one small, hopeful instant I saw recognition cross his face.

“It was a gift,” Bridgett said.

“A personal gift.

Not that it’s any of your concern.”

“From whom?” I asked.

Connor stepped between us.

“You need to apologize to her.

And then you need to leave this floor.”

He did recognize me.

His jaw was clenched in the familiar way it always was when he wanted me to stop asking questions.