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“I know But you are”

My teeth sink into my lip “That isn’t fair”

The front door swings open Rubber soles squeak against the tile foyer Then the soft pad of socks on tile On carpet

Ryan steps into the dining room/kitchen/den His brow furrows as he surveys the scene

Dean and I are eating together

We’re trading secrets

I kno it looks

But it’s so not that

I place the half grilled cheese on Dean’s plate Push myself to my feet “Good run?”

“You were gone forever,” Dean says

“Needed to clearfor an explanation for my proximity to his brother

I know he struggles to trust people

I get that

But there’s no way formyself away

“I just got up” I unwrap the blanket Drape it over the dining chair “I need to move”