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My eyes narrowed “I’m fine”

I cranedaround for him Had my father sent her? That would explain why he wasn’t at her side He disliked small talk almost as much as Wayne Lairlfriend handle it for him It was one of the only times he ever relinquished control

Sophia realized who I was looking for and assu me a drink,” she said “But you should know, he’s worried about you”

“Oh?” I patronized “He actually said that?”

“He didn’t have to” She shifted on her heels and put a hand on her hip “You Hales aren’t great at expressing feelings, but I’ve learned how to translate him”

My tone was flat “Great”

“You know you can’t avoid hiht?”

“You sound like Royce,” I muttered

She pressed on, ignoring ”

Insideit out, grateful for the interruption

Lucas: Not sure if I’ back to Cape Hill

Hyperawareness needled up my spine

Her question drew ?”

“No” I paused, contee text” I slipped the phone back into ive herhome, and he just answeredback to Cape Hill”

Her lips parted with surprise “Like, ever?”

I shrugged, unsure

“Wow,” she said quietly “Hethis really hard”

I blinked “You think he leftbecause of Jillian?”