Part 3The Last Month of Chloe Hart

I looked away, intending to leave.

Sarah noticed me. "Chloe? What are you doing here?"

Liam turned around. His gaze fell on the cake box in my hand, and he froze.

It seemed he finally remembered his promise to me.

Sarah saw the cake too and realized.

"You were looking for Liam, right?"

"I heard you were planning to celebrate his birthday at the amusement park today."

"I'm so sorry. Because of me, you got stood up."

Her apology was perfunctory.

As if she was used to Liam ditching me for her countless times.

And me? I never did anything about it. At most, I'd sulk for a day or two before chasing after him again like nothing happened.

I shook my head, denying her first statement.

"I was just passing by."

Liam stared at me, his expression tense.

Sarah smiled brightly. Clearly, she thought I was just trying to save face.

She didn't press it, just said:

"Well, since you brought the cake anyway."

"We can still celebrate."

I dodged her hand when she reached for the box and shook my head.

"It's gone bad. Can't eat it."

I pressed my lips together and whispered a goodbye.

"Um... it's late. I'm going home."

"Bye."

Sarah was stunned.

Usually, I would seize any opportunity to stick to Liam like glue.

Now, I was voluntarily giving them space.

I walked a few steps with the cake, then remembered something.

I turned back and asked Sarah, embarrassed.

"Can I borrow twenty bucks? My phone died, I can't call an Uber."

"I'll take you."

Liam spoke almost immediately after I finished.

He spoke fast, his voice tight.

I acted like I didn't hear him.

Sarah hesitated. "Sure..."

She dug out the cash and handed it to me.

"Thanks. I'll pay you back on Monday."

I took the money and left.

From start to finish, I didn't look at Liam once.