Andrei hesitated, his mind instantly latching onto the first excuse that came to mind. He didn't want to go. He couldn't. His mind was clouded, and he felt like a different person when he was with her—like someone trapped in a role that no longer fit.
He forced a small laugh, trying to play it off lightly. "I can't, Jos. You know that." He ran a hand through his hair, then glanced down at his shoes, as if they held the answer to the turmoil in his chest.
"I've got work stuff to do, and… well, I don't think it'd be a good idea for us to be seen together out in public, you know?"
Josie blinked, her face faltering for a split second. She tilted her head, her lips pressing into a thin line. She didn't seem angry, but the confusion in her eyes was hard to miss. She wasn't dumb. She knew something was off, and this only added to her suspicions.
