Page 25 (2/2)

My knuckles ache around the steering wheel as I navigate the streets to ers

to loosen and try to calive Theo the chance to explain first

A few minutes later, I pull up behind Theo’s car parked at the curb in front of our parents’ house I take a moment to pull in a couple of deep breaths until I feel in control again Getting out ofto knock, go inside Mom’s always insisted that her house is open to her kids, and if she hears us knocking, she’ll kick our asses

I find Mo at the table finishing up dinner The er I pushed away on my drive over comes back

“Heya, Uncle Luca!” Aria says loudly, waving a hand that’s holding a biscuit

“Hey, boo” Through s the good out in people

“Luca, honey, pull up a chair, and I’ll make you a plate”

When Mom stands from the table, I hold up my hand

“I’ my voice even She still senses my turmoil and turns to walk over to me

“Is everything okay?”

“Yeah” I keep my voice quiet, so Aria doesn’t hear “Do me a favor and take Aria in the backyard”

She frowns; looks at Dad, then Theo, before bringing her eyes back to me

“What’s going on?”

I grab the hand she placed on entle squeeze “Please, Mom We’ll talk later I need to speak with Theo”

After searching ives me a silent nod and walks around the table to Aria