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"I think I sent one of the kids spiraling out of control with hs "It takes a while; you’re only just starting out You’ll do fine"

"Thanks, Lyn"

"Avery"

I look up to see Jacob walking in He’s striding towards me with his usual stiff expression on his face He reaches ain, as though he just prefor for you"

My eyes light up and I rush past hioodbye to Lyn I step outside and let my eyes fall on the tall, muscled, sexy-as-hell cop that has been my friend since I was thirteen years old, broken and alone He was just starting out back then, a rookie He’s not anymore

Max is in his early forties and he’s handsorey eyes, tall, broad--all topped with a s to hi me in a circle

He’s called irl I was so fragile back then, just like a flower, he said I clung to hiaround frantically, and my brother closed off Max was the only person I could talk to He left five years after she went , and I haven’t seen him since but he always callsback and holding onto his shoulders, taking hirips either side of rown up, petal When did you get so tall?"

I laugh "Growth spurt, hey? I blareens I eat"

He smiles warmly at me, his hands still on my face Max couldn’t have children because of an accident he had when he was younger He’s married to a woman nah she was a little snotty

"How’s Kate?" I ask

He frowns "We split"

I crinkle my forehead and frown "I’m sorry, Maxy"

He rolls his eyes "Maxy? Still?"

"It’s cute" I bea an arood I’ve just started practicing and studying to be a teacher"

"Good for you, petal"

"I’ up behind ood to see you, Max"

Max nods at Jacob "Yeah, you too, son"

When Jacob disappears, I turn back to Max