Not Alone
She shook her head slightly, as if trying to shake off the strange thoughts. She needed to get back to Mason—hopefully, he was at the table by now. This whole evening was starting to feel like a series of awkward encounters, and she just wanted to find a bit of normalcy again.
Ellen cleared her throat softly and looked up at Edrick, offering him a polite smile. "I think I should head back to Mason now," she said, her voice steady, though she could feel a slight tension in her chest. "He's probably wondering where I am."
Edrick nodded, his smile still in place but tinged with something that might have been disappointment. "Of course," he replied smoothly, his eyes lingering on her for just a moment longer than necessary. "I'll see you around, then."