The hum of the car's engine lulled me closer to sleep, the soft vibrations making my eyelids heavy. I leaned against the window, thanking my stars for the narrow escape. No awkward run-ins with Richard, no uncomfortable conversations. Just freedom, finally.
But what if Ella was right? What if Richard really did like me? The thought made my stomach twist in knots. How could he? Of all the people, why me?
Ella's voice startled me out of my thoughts. "You're awfully quiet there," she said, a smirk in her tone as she focused on the road.
"Just tired," I mumbled, leaning further into my seat.
The car rolled to a gentle stop at the intersection, the red light washing over us like a quiet warning.
I shifted in my seat, staring out at the empty street, before glancing at Ella. Her grip on the wheel was firm, her eyes darting to the rearview mirror.
"Hey, Ella," I said, breaking the silence, "do you believe in true love?"
