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But lately, that fog was lifting a little Enough that I could at least allow myself one link to the rest of humanity

The door opened for the direct entrance to the bar, the one on the side of the building allowing people to bypass going through the restaurant, and a figure stood in the doorway My jaw dropped when I saw her

“Son of a bitch,” I said, interrupting a joke Brett was in thea beehive haircut in the bar

“I mean, it’s out of fashion, sure, but probably not worthy of cursing,” Brett joked

“No, the girl that just ca in her direction “That’s Desiree”

“Wait, the girl that showed up at your door in the blizzard?” he asked as she sat at the bar on an open stool The bartender ca down to the wine rack “That’s her?”

“Yup,” I said

“You didn’t mention she looked like that, Aiden Holy shit”

She was sitting by herself, looking lonely and out of place I saw a couple of eyes flicker over to her and instantly felt protective Some of those eyes were suspicious, untrustworthy Others had a glealeam that said she wasn’t just an outsider She was prey

“Coo up to the bar”

“Why don’t we invite her here?” Brett said “There’s a pizza co”

“Because she’s there, where she’s comfortable,” I said “If someone asked you to move, hoould you feel?”

“I feel that way right now, Aiden,” he laughed “Alright, alright Let’s go”

We made our way over, and as we cahtened up and she shten and my shoulders fall back when she did That smile made me feel like a million bucks

“Aiden,” she said, “good to see you again”

“Same to you,” I said “This is my friend, Brett”

There was a pause, and I looked over to Brett He smiled wide and offered his hand for her to shake

“Nice to meet you,” he said “I’ve heard a lot about you”

My ser at Brett It was a look that figuratively screamed what the fuck, dude?