“Oliver?”
That’s a pretty intimate way to greet someone.
Josefina turned around and found herself looking at a woman who looked like she’d walked straight out of a fashion magazine—confident, stylish, wrapped in a sleek gray coat. A tiny beauty mark sat just under her left eye, and her loose curls framed her face with a hint of wistfulness.
The woman’s eyes lit up with surprise and genuine delight as she stepped up to Oliver.
“Oliver! What are the odds?”
He smiled back. “You’re back in town?”
“Just got in today.” She laughed softly, glancing at Josefina, then back at Oliver. “Our college group chat exploded when they heard I was coming back. Everyone wanted to get together—throw me a welcome party. Oliver, why aren’t you in the group chat? It’s like you dropped off the map. Where have you been all these years? We couldn’t find you anywhere!”
Josefina could practically smell the gossip in the air. Was this beautiful woman Oliver’s old flame?
She kept quiet, just watching from the sidelines.
Oliver caught her wide, curious eyes—she looked like she was waiting for the tea to spill.
He almost laughed. That was so Josie. Instead of getting jealous, she wanted front-row seats to the drama.
He cleared his throat. “This is my…girlfriend, Josefina.” He turned back to the other woman. “And this is Selah, a friend from college.”
He’d wanted to say “wife,” but Josefina liked to keep things low-key. Even the label “girlfriend” felt a little overwhelming for her sometimes.
Selah looked genuinely surprised, struggling to hide it. Then she let out a knowing laugh.
“Wow, Oliver. You’re full of surprises. Congratulations—you two look perfect together.”
She reached out with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you.”
Josefina shook her hand. “Nice to meet you, too.”
Selah grinned. “We’re having a get-together tonight. Why don’t the two of you come along?”
Oliver didn’t hesitate for a second. “Sorry, I have to work late tonight. No time.”
No way was he dragging Josefina to a party full of strangers. That just wasn’t his scene—and he knew it wasn’t hers either.
He added, “We’ve got to run. See you around.”
He took Josefina’s hand, leading her away quickly and without looking back.

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