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“I don't buy it, Sophia,” he said finally

“Buy what?” I asked, looking over my shoulder at him

He looked up quickly and I saw his cheeks color slightly Yeah, he certainly had been checking out ot busted, which made my insides warm

“That everything is fine,” he said, clearing his throat and trying to cover the fact that I'd just caught hi”

With a sigh, I looked around and leaned forward on the counter – accidentally showing off entleman he was, Nico looked into my eyes – rather than at my chest – and I pitched my voice low, to be sure I wasn't overheard by anybody else

“I' you to keep this between the two of us”

“You have my word, Sophia”

And as I looked into his eyes, I knew I could trust him I kneouldn't breathe a word of what I was about to tell hi soul without my say-so

“Well, to be honest, I' to be open ,” I said, bitingthrough this way, it may be under nenership Or closed Or turned into a McDonald's for all I know”

“You're kidding me Did you father sell the place?” Nico asked in a hushed voice

Nico's dark eyes suddenly grew so very serious, a look of concern crossing his handsoaze filled with a co After all, this was just a diner he stopped by once every couple of weeks And if we closed up shop, I knew he could get his fix of rease and coffee anywhere else without a problem

But he looked genuinely concerned, and as he looked at me, I couldn't help but stare into his eyes

“Not exactly,” I said, straightening up, looking around again

I knew I shouldn't be talking about our personal family business out in the open with just anyone – but Nico was always so nice and willing to listen It was hard not to open up to him And I knew I could trust him, that he wouldn't betray my confidence

“More like we're losing it,” I said