Renee’s POV
The event wanes down. Mia has long been gone ever since I was declared the winner and I wish I could enjoy the praise and chatter of my colleagues without Mia’s prescience holding everyone back, but the idea of a dinner with Eric gnaws at my nerves.
The group I’m talking to bursts out laughing. I must’ve missed a joke. I chime in with my laughter but it’s obviously forced. Just when my colleagues are giving me the time I day, I make a complete fool of myself.
Just then Eric appears and I regretfully feel a twinge of relief. He doesn’t have to say anything, I know it’s time to go.
I excuse myself from the conversation and pretend that I can’t feel their curious stares boring into my back, but suddenly it’s like I forget how to walk.
Apparently, the journey isn’t too long,
