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Are you around this evening? Hoping we could talk.

His reply is instant, like he's been waiting for my text.

Grant

Yes. I was actually hoping to talk with you, too.

Me

Great. I'll be home around 7:30. Come by anytime after.

Grant

I'll swing by once Hazel is asleep.

My heart both sinks and speeds up. I feel the disappointment of not being invited to join them for dinner again. It's not like I was eating with them all the time, but I guess I got used to hanging out when I was around and able to. I also feel the excitement of what happens after Hazel is asleep. Hedidn't come by last night, and while we don't spend every minute together, I'd be lying if I didn't admit I missed being with him.

Focus, Sophia.

We need to talk. I need to know what shut him down last night and see if he's changed his mind about us—even though I don't like how it feels when I think those words.

thirty-six

. . .

Grant

I breathea sigh of relief when I see that Sophia's car isn't in the driveway. I know she said she'd be home at 7:30, but knowing it will be after our dinner time makes everything easier with Hazel. I'm still in my head about how much time they've been spending together. I know Sophia would never be deceitful, but I can't help but wonder what her angle is.

I throw my keys on the counter, loosen my tie, and reach for a glass out of the cabinet. I need a drink.

"That kind of day, huh?" my sister says.

"Hey, yeah. Thanks for picking up Hazel again. I appreciate it. You can leave now."

"Wow. What a welcome. Please. Stop. The excitement is too much."

"Sorry. I didn't mean it that way. It has been that kind of day."

I spread my fingers and thumb across my forehead, attempting to relieve the tension. If anyone would understand my hesitation about Sophia, it's Sarah.

She pulls out a chair and sits down at the table. "So, spill it."

"Did you know Hazel has been hanging out with Sophia?"

I twist my glass on the surface and take a sip of my bourbon, trying to keep my reaction neutral so I don't lead the witness. I want to see her honest reaction.

"I did."

"And?"

"And?"

"It's weird, right?"

She doesn't respond. She's staring at me now. I hate it when she does this. She plays the quiet game when she thinks I'm being an idiot and that I need a minute to digest what I've just said.

"What? Just say it."