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When Luca was brought into the conversation, I couldn’t help the war that hit my chest I listened avidly as she told ht froo I wanted to ask so many questions, but I refrained It wasn’t ave on her own

“How are things working out between you and Theo?”

Her question bringsto “They’re okay He’s been patient with me It’s still weird to think I’h school”

I dump the tomato in the bowl and start on the cucumber

“I can’t ied”

“It’s scary,” I admit

“And your parents still aren’t talking to you?”

My hand tightens on the knife as pain tears through me “No,” I answer softly

Several seconds pass before Ella’s hard voice says, “I’m sorry, Jules I know you love the you”

I nod, because she’s right My feelings toward er and heartache There’s no way I

could ever abandon my child

I glance to the doorhen I hear the front door open and close A moment later, Theo appears in the kitchen

“Hey” I turn from the counter “You’re home early”

“I was in the neighborhood, dropping off a car, and decided to stop by and grab so for lunch” He looks at Ella “Hey”

“‘Sup, brother,” she greets