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I want to stay and chat, but h me, and per usual, Maria narrows her eyes and reads me

“What’s going on?” She studiesof his own, then back to me “Did you meet someone?”

“What the hell?” I shake h

She looks at Malcolain “He did, didn’t he?”

“I’ives me a sympathetic sneer

“Who is she? When can I meet her—”

“I have to go,” I interrupt her rapid-fire line of questioning before she corners me for the next hour

“Hey, I told you on the phone yesterday I’d bother you to—"

I sto into the background

Avoiding her questions is one thing, but also ht feel disrespected if I’ that matters to me is Esme and if she’s okay

Getting into oes off I pull my phone out and start to read as I cliht, andharder, but relief washes over me

Esain Head isn’t hurting Thanks for your help

I close the driver’s door and then reply

Me: Good girl I’m on my way to your place noorried when I didn’t hear from you

Esme: No need to come back I’m okay

I shake ht now than her

Me: Too late, I’m headed your way Is your friend still there?

Esht, so this is her sleep time

I take a deep breath I’ there while someone sleeps She still needs to be watched