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Chapter 27 - River

I was still watching Gabbie out of the corner of my eye, pretending not to — pretending her presence didn't crack open old insecurities like fault lines — when I felt an arm drop across my shoulders.

"Well, well, well," came the familiar, lazy drawl. "Look who turned into a full-on heartbreaker while I was gone."

River.

Callum's friend.

Tall, golden, half-trouble and half charm. He always smelled like sunshine and bad decisions, like the kind of boy who stole lighters and hearts with the same grin.

"Hey, River," I said, keeping my tone even.

He tightened his arm slightly and gave me a sideways smile. "You look dangerous in that bikini. I'm gonna need a warning label next time."

I snorted despite myself. "You've seen me in a hoodie with Cheeto dust on my face. Don't play."

"Different era," he said dramatically. "We're in the adult timeline now. Callum, back me up here—"

I didn't look to see Callum's expression, but I felt the shift in the air the second River said his name. Like something subtle but sharp. Tension under the surface.

River, of course, noticed it too. He grinned wider and leaned in conspiratorially. "You know, I only flirt with you to make Callum jealous."

I rolled my eyes. "You flirt with everybody, River."

He gasped. "True. But I only flirt with you like I mean it."

I laughed softly, brushing his hand off my shoulder — not coldly, but just enough. "Shouldn't you be helping Kaden find drinks or something?"

River sighed dramatically. "Fine. But don't think I've given up on you, Shortcake. One day, you'll see the light."

He ruffled my hair before disappearing toward the fridge, probably to drink straight from the orange juice carton like a menace.

When I turned back, Gabbie was gone — already in the backyard, sliding into a chair like she owned it.

Callum hadn't moved.

His eyes were on me now.

Sharp. Quiet. unreadable.

And I couldn't help but wonder if River's words had landed a little harder than either of us expected.

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