THE LAST SHOOTING STAR

le

ct was i

violently, her eyes widening as a deep, burning s

nked. "Wa

t table and turned to Ryan with the deadl

taking another sip of his whiskey as he w

slow, accusing finger at Rachael. "Hold

fifty-shade-dark tomato, c

d slightly. "Your f

shock. "No way. This...

ching the bridge of

ry. "So let me get this straight," he said, leaning toward her. "Back in high school, when

rderous glare before crossin

xaggerated gasp. "

ppear into the floor. She pointed a wa

d it. "So when you saw me dating all

nish that sentence, I will

led under

chest. "I don't know what to say. This is such a revelation. R

hat?" Sh

ed. "I dunno. Maybe I woul

he wrong t

napkin and threw it straig

thoroughly enjoying t

altering. "Wow. This is amazing. Rachael, my secret admi

seconds away from c

set his glass down and looked at Jason with mild amusemen

rked. "As

ply, still glaring a

d, lifting his gla

--

Irene stepped out with an air of composure, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement as she made her way up the wal

and whispers. She was a woman who really love having her space, who didn't let anyone intrude on her personal space, and her home was her sanctuary. But

it was clear her mother had other plans. The woman stood ther

. Her gaze sharpened, and she gave a look one that clearly sa

ed like she was on the verge of tears, which only softened Irene's irritation for a split second. Irene let out a de

al companion, couldn't help but laugh softly. His quiet chuckle didn't go unnoticed by Irene, and she shot

e, soft and tentative. "Irene, sweetheart,

o stay long at a party I was for

r sighed.

latly, her eyes distant as she removed her coat and draped it o

onvinced. "Irene, sweetheart, are you sure eve

e tried to conceal it. She had grown used to her mother's constant

tone colder now. "Just...work. I

ene, you're my only child, my everything. You don't have to

ifference slipping into place. "I don't need anyone to make me happy, Mo

r voice trembling slightly. "But sometimes,

ad always valued her independence, but there was no denying the weight of her mother's wor

er than to intrude. Irene and her mother had a dynamic that was unique a mo

n't want you to push everyone away, especially not those who care about you," she said, her

Mom. Really. Let me have my space," she said coldly, tur

aughter and respecting her space. She opened her mouth to

dle tomorrow." Her voice was firm, and

Irene continued up the stairs without looking back. Her mother wat

There was so much more to her than the icy exterior she showed to the world and even to her mother. But Louis

, he simply

p the stairs. It was clear that tonight was not one of those rare occasions when Irene was willing to let her guard dow

e softened as she looked at him, her voice trembling slightly when she asked, "Louis... I know you care about her. I know you've been ther