Page 37 (1/2)

Not wanting to embarrass myself or make anyone feel uncomfortable, I push away the tears When she steps back, her hands cup my cheeks

“How are you feeling? Are you hungry? Would you like so to drink?”

“Stop it, Helen The girl just walked in the door Give her a few minutes to collect herself”

A gruff older man walks up beside Theo’s mom and offers me a sympathetic smile “Sorry, honey She plays mother to everyone” He holds out his hand “I’m Wyatt”

I place ulfs mine I feel tiny coer than socially acceptable, and the full beard gives hi out of his shirt sleevesBut his eyes, which are the same crystalline blue as Theo’s, look kind The eyes aren’t the only thing Theo got froer version of his dad

I stifle a laugh when Theo’s mom elbows him out of the way and takes her place back in front of me

“You hush,” she says pointedly to Wyatt Reaching forward, she grabs my hand “You and Theo come Let me make you both some lunch And please, call me Helen”

I nod and follow her Not that I really have a choice with her hand still holdingto take in as limpse of an old couch, a couple of scuffed end tables, and a s the kitchen The décor in this room isn’t much better with its outdated appliances, old cabinets, and old-fashioned linoleuh todinner, but I can’t According to Theo, I hadI can’t see myself in here

Helen leads me to a small four-seater table in the corner of the room

“You three, take a seat, and I’ll whip us up some sandwiches Jules, do you like ham?” she asks, but turns away before I can answer

“Yes, please,” I tell her back as she starts pulling things froe

She lifts her head and looks at Theo “You need to go grocery shopping, son You’ve got hardly anything in here”

“I know, Moo tomorrow”

“Good” Her head goes back into the fridge “Nohat about tomato and cheese, Jules?”

“I’ll take them both, thank you”