A week after the double date with Griffin and Evan, spring term started back at NYU. Everything felt abnormally right in the world. Griffin and I would do our early workouts at the gym—after I took a nice shower and got ready, Cayden and I would share an early morning breakfast before parting ways—then Jade would pick me up and we'd ride to campus together.

After my first two classes, I'd meet Griffin at Yolei's during my break—then after classes finish for the day, Jade and I would study with Griffin and Evan at the school library—and by the end of the day, Cayden would be at home, usually with dinner made for us.

Weeks flew by as I got accustomed to the comforting dynamic, finally feeling in place. I eventually settled back into Jade and I's friendship, feeling comfortable and trusting. I finally decided that it was time she and Cayden met properly. Once I communicated my thoughts, we planned a dinner at a local restaurant in SoHo on the first Friday in February—and while I was a little nervous, a part of me knew all would be well.

That's also something I've gotten better with—remaining calm until I can't, and when I can't, I always communicate how I feel at least to one person. It was slow progress, but I was getting somewhere.

I looked in the bathroom mirror, analyzing my outfit. I was wearing a loose cream knit sweater with a plaid skirt, black stockings, and knee-high black leather boots. My brown hair was down in loose curls and I wore natural makeup on my face.

After deciding I liked my look for the night, I made my way into the living room—where Cayden was waiting for me. As always, she looked amazing.

She was dressed in a black button-up with cream-colored dress pants and her usual black loafers. Her dark hair was down in a middle part and neatly tucked behind her ears while her face remained bare.

"How do you always look so good?" I asked, my tone light and teasing.

Cayden looked up from her phone, a smile growing on her face. "I could ask you the same thing," she said, walking over to me and briefly kissing my lips.

I smiled back at her. "Are you ready for dinner?" I said. "You know... formally meeting Jade and all."

Cayden raised a brow. "The question is are you ready?" she asked, resting her hand on the small of my back.

I was ready and I knew the meeting could only go well, but I still felt nervous. I think Jaci just really messed me up mentally, which sucked for Jade since she never actually did anything to me. But it doesn't change that it's still a lot to overcome and get past.

"Yeah, just nervous I guess."

"That's understandable," Cayden said. "But everything should go well. As hard as it might be, try not to let Jaci's actions ruin your friendship with Jade."

I sighed, nodding my head hesitantly. "I've been trying."

"Then that's all that matters," Cayden said, grabbing her keys from the counter.

We exited the warm condo, taking the large elevator down to the cold parking garage. Luckily, Cayden got the car heated up in no time, a soft heat coating the interior. The warmth made the drive less nerve-racking since I was already overthinking everything.

What if Jade decides she doesn't like Cayden? Or vice versa? What if there's just too much lingering in the past? Like secrets and the fact that I went behind Jade's back to do it. I know she said she wasn't mad about it, but what if she comes to the realization that she actually is? What if it really does bother her?

I didn't have any time to think about it further, noticing we arrived. Cayden pulled in front of the quaint restaurant, parking the car perfectly on the side of the road. She briefly cut the engine, exiting the car, and came over to my side to help me out.

When we entered the warm restaurant, I immediately noticed Jade seated in the booth located at the far back. Her dark hair was pulled out of her face in a ponytail while she wore a blush pink sweater dress.

When she noticed us walking toward her, she waved, eagerly smiling. I felt relief flow through me, given how excited she seemed. So far it seemed like everything was going well even if the dinner had barely begun.

"Cayden, it's nice to formally meet you," Jade said as I slid into the booth, Cayden sliding in after me.

Cayden smiled. "You as well, Jade."

Jade nodded, looking at me. "I heard this place has the best cosmos."

I felt my eyes light up—I haven't had a cosmo since sophomore year. Those were always my go-to drink until I discovered how much I liked tequila.

"I definitely need one of those," I said, glancing down at the menu.

"Cosmo's were Vi Vi's favorite drink in sophomore year," Jade said, her attention directed at Cayden. Jade chuckled through her nose. "Oh god do you remember that frat party? Sophomore year Halloween?"

I stiffened at the memory, staring down at the glossy menu.

I went with Jade and Jaci to the iconic Hallo-Weekend—which I undeniably felt pressured to partake in since Sebastian was a part of a fraternity. It was fun... until I wanted to leave and Sebastian talked me into staying so his girlfriend didn't look lame.

However, Jade is referring to one of the frat guys—Kevin—who tried to make a cosmo and failed terribly. I swear it was the worst drink I've ever tried.

"But we don't have to discuss that," Jade said, looking between Cayden and me. I could tell Jade didn't know the dynamic yet—but honestly, neither did I.

"No, it's okay J-bug," I said, knowing she had a different perspective than me, considering Sebastian was fully present in mine.

"I'd actually love to hear more about Vi and how she was back then," Cayden said, glancing to look at me. I felt my body grow flushed at her curiosity. Cayden wanted to know all parts of me—not just the one she met currently.

Jade raised her brows, laughing slightly. "She was definitely... wild."

Somehow the conversation takes a reminiscing turn, discussing our early college years. When I block the Sebastian parts out, I can actually say I had an excellent college experience. It's insane that it will all be ending soon—which leads me to something that's been weighing heavy on my mind.

Graduation... Will my parents attend?

I shook my head at the repetitive question that continuously pops up. Eventually, we get our drinks while we continue our light conversation before moving on to dinner. I actually found myself having fun, and I could tell Jade and Cayden were too, which made me even happier.

"So I assume you have something planned for Valentine's day coming up?" Jade asked, smiling lightly.

I shook my head at her antics and Cayden suddenly started smiling—which diverted my attention. What did she have planned?

Before Cayden could say anything, the waiter came over with our checks, laying them on the table before bidding us a good night.

"I see Valentine's day is top secret," Jade said, taking her card from her wallet.

"Mm... just a surprise," Cayden said, pursing her lips to hold back her growing smile.

"I get that... Well, I did have other matters to discuss," Jade said, looking at me. "Since tomorrow is Saturday, Vi Vi would you wanna go to the club with me?"

My brows raised, caught off guard by her question. I haven't been to a club since... Miami. Somehow the club just isn't my scene anymore—honestly, going out isn't my scene anymore. I'd much rather stay in and watch a movie.

"I don't know..." I trailed off.

Jade frowned dramatically. "Oh please? For old time's sake?" she asked, looking to Cayden. "C'mon try to convince her Cayden."

Cayden held her hands up in defense. "I'm not getting involved," she said, chuckling.

Jade diverted her attention back to me, giving me the puppy dog eyes. "Please?" she asked again, and I felt my face soften. She's always so convincing.

"Fine," I said, sighing as I shook my head.

Jade smiled, "Great we should—"

Suddenly Jade's smile is wiped off of her face as she cuts herself short. Her attention is instead, placed behind us, her face turning grim.

I furrow my brows turning around to see who or what she's looking at, and Cayden mimics my actions.

When I meet her familiar dark eyes, my stomach plummets—making me want to throw up all of the food I previously ate. I knew I'd have to see her again eventually, but I wasn't expecting it to be so soon or here. Maybe on campus—where I at least had my guard up—but not here.

She walked toward our table, a neutral expression on her face. My stomach easily began swirling with anxiety, my breathing growing shallow. I could even see that Cayden was tense, knowing this could only go one way.

The blonde stopped at our table, standing in front of us.

"Jacinda," Jade said, her tone dull and far from what it was previously.

Hi everyone! Sorry for not updating in a while! I hoped you guys enjoyed this long-awaited chapter. What's your opinion on Jaci showing up? And what do you think Cayden has planned for Valentine's Day? Let me know what you think

Love you all,

Weekendlustt