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“I didn’t ask, but probably I doubt the stipend is enough to live on my own” He cast a sly look my way “You know of someone?”

I gave him my own heat-filled stare “I do She’s tidy and kno to cook”

“Works for me” He leaned back and patted his stomach “I’m neat and like to eat”

“Sounds like a perfect match”

He returned my happy smile and kissed my cheek

Despite the good news, for the rest of the day his aze distant He didn’t speak up in class at all Not that he was a know-it-all who always raised his hand, but he usually participated at least a little bit

I wished he could tell me what happened

On the way home after school, I tried to think of a tactful way to ask

“You’re quiet today,” Roman said

“So are you”

“I’m tired”

I hesitated, ?”

“Nothing You had ht”

He sighed and shifted his gaze to the side “I’m sorry I was near a phone and just wanted to hear your voice”

I waited

Finally, he relented “I’m not allowed to talk about it”

“Oh” Well, that was better than not wanting to tell me

He jaot accused of doing soot back late from the field trip yesterday”

“Was it that bad?”

“Could’ve been”

Frustrated, I felt so helpless to do anything for him

We kept walking toward hbor, Mrs Shields, waved at me

“Juliet!” she called “Sweetheart, can you come here a second?”

“Do you mind?” I asked Roman In a lower voice I explained, “Her husband died last year and she’s all alone I try to stop by and help her out when I can”

“Sure” He gestured for o ahead

We strolled up the short driveway together Mrs Shields smiled as soon as she saw Roman

“Who’s your friend, Juliet?”

I hesitated Would she tell my uncle if I introduced Roman as my boyfriend? When was the last time they even spoke to each other? Who cared if he found out? I liked Mrs Shields too much to lie

“Mrs Shields, this is my boyfriend Roman”

“Boyfriend,” she repeated Her raised eyebrow and slightly curved lips hinted at her approval “Aren’t you a good-looking young ushed