I stood there, eyes still locked on the wildflower.
My finger lifted on its own, hovering for a second before gently brushing the tattoo, like I was expecting it to react or something. I traced the outline slowly, following its shape without even realizing what I was doing.
"I've seen a symbol similar to this… it's called Asphodel," I said.
Daven's brow lifted slightly.
"But while wildflowers are about freedom…" I continued, still staring at it, "…the asphodel has to do with memory. The kind that refuses to stay buried."
For a moment, the table went quiet.
Like… everyone quiet.
"Wow," Jonathan finally said. "And how do you even know that?"
"I took a research on it," I replied casually.
"On wildflowers?" Quinn asked.
"No, on Asphodel," I corrected. "Then I just kind of read about wildflowers along the way."
"Wait—why were you even researching it in the first place?" Abigail leaned forward, clearly interested.
I shrugged. "I'm just that type of person. If I hear something I don't know, I go and research it. I don't like not knowing things."
"That's actually kind of cool," Michael said quietly.
"Kind of?" Derrick scoffed. "That's effort, bro. I would've just scrolled past."
"I would've Googled for two minutes and given up," Jonathan added.
"I wouldn't even Google," Quinn said proudly.
We all laughed.
"As a matter of fact," I added, flipping my hair a little—yes, I was about to show off—"I used it as a concept in my new book."
Silence.
Then—
"New book??" Jonathan blinked.
Abigail froze.
Quinn turned slowly.
Daven just stared, but then—like something clicked—he leaned forward slightly.
"Ohhh my gosh," he said, sitting up straighter. "You are—wait—no way…" but before he could say it, Jonathan beat him to it.
Jonathan snapped his fingers. "Aubrey—Aubrey Everhart?!"
"Common, I almost had it" Daven said, slightly disappointed.
Derrick pointed at me like he had just discovered treasure. "THE Aubrey Everhart? Award-winning authoress??"
"…yeah," I said slowly.
Oops.
"Wooooow," Quinn dragged out. "You know what's crazy? I knew you looked familiar, but I thought it was just vibes."
"Vibes??" Abigail hit his arm. "That is a whole celebrity you're calling vibes!"
"You all read my books?" I asked, genuinely stunned.
"We don't usually read, I mean this isn't the group you'll find reading stories," Derrick admitted, hands up, "but Daven's friend? She's obsessed. Like OBSESSED obsessed. She introduced your books to us."
"I'm not even a reader at all," Jonathan added, "but your book was my first try—and I have to confess, it was worth it."
Daven finally spoke, a small smile playing on his lips.
"What a small world," he said quietly. "She would have really loved to meet you."
I looked at him then proceeded to speaking.
"Awwww, I'm actually honored," I said, trying to recover. "But please—low profile."
"Too late," Quinn said. "i don't think we will ever stop talking about you now."
"Where can we find the new book?" Abigail asked immediately.
"It's not out yet," I said. "I'm not ready to publish it."
"Ahhhh, come on now," Jonathan leaned forward dramatically. "We can bargain. How about you tell me about the new story? I won't tell them—I promise."
Right then, my phone rang.
Unknown number.
"I'm sorry, I need to take this," I said, stepping away toward a slightly quiet corner.
"Hello, please who am I speaking to?"
"Hello, ma'am. This is the receptionist from the hotel. Your presence is required urgently."
I frowned. "Is there a problem?"
"Not really, just a little… fixable issue."
Fixable?
That didn't sound reassuring.
"I'll be on my way," I said, ending the call.
I turned back toward the table, already moving.
"You're leaving?" Daven asked.
"Yeah, something urgent came up," I replied.
"Can I at least get your number?" he asked—calm, polite… but intentional.
I hesitated for a second.
Then I smiled. "Sure."
I took his phone, typed it in, and handed it back.
"Okay then, Miss Aubrey," he said softly. "I'll see you around."
Something about the way he said it…
Like he was certain we were going to come across each other again, maybe that is because he just got my contact.
I waved at the others. "Bye, guys!"
"BYEEE AUTHORRRR!" Jonathan yelled, luckily the casino is already very noisy so no one heard it.
"HEY!" Derrick hit his shoulder. "Low profile, remember?"
"We'll get through to you for another gaming, okay!" Quinn shouted.
"Sure thing!" I smiled, already walking away.
But for some reason…
As I stepped out—
I could still feel his eyes on me.