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“You’re right,” Grace said. “It doesn’t. He’s different this time. I’ve barely talked to him, but I can see it. I bet others do too.”

“He is?” Mollie asked.

“Yeah. When we were all eighteen, he avoided everyone but Jade. It’s like he didn’t want to get attached. But this time, he doesn’t seem to care. He says hi. He’s friendly.”

I let out a groan. “Why can’t this make sense?”

“He’s your person,” Piper said simply. “It makes sense that you’d want to figure him out.”

“I dumped him. I shouldn’t want anything.”

“Jade, that’s not how feelings work.”

“Yeah, it’s not.” Mollie shook her head. “You’re gonna care about him either way.”

I let out a breath, shutting my eyes. “I’m worried he’s making a mistake. I’m worried he’s leaving when he really doesn’t want to. He’s always said he would leave, but his actions . . .”

“They don’t match,” Grace finished. She gave me a small smile. “And you love a good mystery.”

“Would it be ridiculous if I tried to figure this out?” I asked. For a moment, I wondered if they would say yes.

“Ridiculous?” Wren laughed. “Yes. But you love being ridiculous.”

“True. But would it be a mistake?”

They all looked between each other.

“The only mistake you could ever make is not trusting your gut,” Grace said. “We’ll support you either way.”

I thought about it. I weighed both options. I could let it go and accept him leaving.

Or I could look into it more.

I knew what I wanted immediately.

“I need to figure this out. I need answers.”

“Okay,” Mollie said. “Then that’s what we’ll help you with.”

“So, what do we know about Gabriel?” Wren asked. “What can you look into?”

“Usually, I’d start with asking him, but he’s going to keep it from me.”

“Is there anyone else?”

I glanced out the window. For the longest time, it had just been him and me. Gabriel had long since broken connection with Lucas, and Lucas was in Nashville these days.

The only person left was Atticus.

“I think I’ve got a lead.”

“Good,” Grace said. “Now go figure out what the hell is wrong with him.”

It took me a long time to knock on the door in front of me. I had come to this house many times, and I was still close with Atticus even to this day. In a way, he was far better than my own father ever was. He was distant, but also caring.

He’d been the same with Gabriel, but maybe I’d gotten more of Atticus’s kindness over the years.

He opened the door, blinking when he saw me.