Page 219 of When a Soul Cries

Her eyes met mine, and I watched a little more confidence settle into her expression.

“Then make it yours,” I told her. “Learn everything you can and make them glad they hired your ass.”

Sol laughed, shaking her head. “You have such a motivational way with words.”

I leaned back, completely serious. “I know. Inspirational as fuck.”

That earned me another laugh.

When it faded, I watched her for a second before shifting the conversation.

“So once you start working and getting your money right again, what’s next?”

Her smile faded into thoughtfulness.

“Save,” she answered after a moment.

I nodded. “Good.”

“A lot.”

“Even better.”

Her fingers moved around the stem of her water glass. She hesitated before continuing.

“And I need another car eventually.”

I fought the twitch threatening the corner of my mouth.

She didn’t notice.

Then her expression changed. Her gaze lowered toward the table, and when she spoke again, her voice was quieter.

“And I need somewhere for me and Halo.”

There it was.

I rested my forearms against the table.

“I figured.”

Sol looked up.

“I love having y’all at the house,” I said.

Her eyebrows lifted slightly, surprise immediately crossing her face.

“I mean it. I like hearing Halo in the mornings. I like seeing her toys all over the place.”

A small smile tugged at her lips.

“And I like having you there.”

The smile faded, replaced by something more vulnerable.

I didn’t let the moment get too heavy.

“But I know you need your own shit too,” I continued. “Your own money. Your own place. Your own decisions.”