The Ascendant Shadow

Chapter 20: Friends and Foes

Valentina's POV:

Outside, I made my way to Lucas's car where Owen was already waiting in the passenger seat. My heart was racing, my mind still replaying the kiss with Ron over and over. What the hell was I doing?

I slipped into the backseat, pulling out my phone, needing something to distract me. The silence in the car was comfortable, though, and for a moment, I let myself relax.

A small smile tugged at my lips as I remembered my conversation with Connor. Without thinking, I opened Instagram and unblocked him.

Vero slid into the car moments later, her energy filling the space. "Ladies and gentlemen, I got a 92 on my math exam. Now applaud me," she said with a triumphant grin.

Owen clapped enthusiastically, and I smiled while Lucas just rolled his eyes, starting the car.

As Lucas pulled out of the lot, my phone vibrated. I glanced down to see a direct message from Connor.

Leaning back in my seat, I opened the message, unsure of what I was hoping for—but suddenly, needing a distraction more than ever.

I grinned as I read Connor's message: Ah, you unblocked me... finally. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

I shook my head and started typing back. Depends, Connor. Are we friends or enemies?

His reply was almost immediate. I think the real question is, are we lovers or enemies?

The playful tease made my heart skip, but I hesitated before responding. I've kissed Connor three times. Two of them were when we were drunk, and the third... that one was different. That was the night he confessed his feelings, and even though I wasn't ready to admit it then, the kiss had been electric. Not as intense as kissing Ron, but it was still amazing.

Why the hell am I thinking about Ron? I pushed the thought away, focusing back on Connor. Our friendship had always been rock-solid, easy. He knew me better than anyone else, and we'd never really talked about what those kisses meant, especially after things got messy with Rogelio.

Not sure yet. You?

I'm not sure either, but we can start slow, he typed back, the words making my stomach flutter.

I smiled, tapped twice on his message, and turned off my phone. Later that night, we decided to meet up for dinner the next day—just the two of us. It felt overdue, like we had too much left unsaid.

The next day, I did my best to avoid Ron and the guys at school. The kiss in the bathroom still lingered on my mind, but I needed space. When 5 p.m. rolled around, I was ready to see Connor.

I threw on a pair of well-worn jeans, a black long-sleeve shirt, and my favorite boots since the weather had turned chilly. After saying quick goodbyes to my family, I headed outside. Vero shouted after me, "Text me when you're there!" I waved in response, spotting Connor's car waiting at the curb.

"Hey," I said, slipping into the passenger seat. "Thanks for driving all the way out here. I know it's a bit of a drive."

"Hey, don't worry about it. I wanted to," Connor said with a smile as he pulled into traffic. There was something easy about his presence, the way he could calm my nerves without trying.

"So, where are we going?" I asked, pulling my hair to the side and letting it cascade over my shoulder.

"I thought we could hit up that retro diner not too far from here. It's got good food, and we can catch up without all the noise," he said, his eyes flicking briefly to my lips before looking back at the road.