She does.
The drive into town feels different.
Everything does now.
Every building.
Every person walking down the sidewalk.
Every car parked along the street.
Because now I know—
It could be anyone.
Ace drives.
Focused.
Silent.
One hand on the wheel.
The other resting just close enough to me that I feel it.
Like he’s still keeping track.
Still making sure I’m there.
“You okay?” he asks without looking at me.
“Yeah.”
A beat.
Then—
“Liar.”
I glance at him.
“You always this direct?”
“Only when it matters.”
I huff softly.
But he’s not wrong.
My stomach is tight.
My pulse steady—but faster than normal.
Not fear.
Not exactly.
More like—