“Only because you need an excuse to ignore all the waysyouneed help.”
I don’t like the smile he responds with. “It’s always a pleasure hanging out with you, Isolde.”
I’ve stood up before he can finish the sentence.
A burst of activity helps me hide. Abe has started a fire in the kitchen. A group arrives, while another leaves.
But it’s still not enough, because Tristan meets my eye. I look away, but I know from the way his muscles tense he’s about to stand.
I duck through the swinging door that leads to the kitchen.
Used to seeing me in the kitchen, the small staff doesn’t bat an eye. Ren uses the front door, but I like slipping in through the alleyway. That’s where I’m headed when I makethe split decision to head into the storage room. I’m standing there like an idiot next to a stockpile of soy sauce when I feel movement behind me.
Squeezing my eyes shut, the last thing I need is the Ghost seeing me cry.
Jane pulls me into a hug, her presence bringing forth hot tears. I suck them back as quick as I can, but I know it’s an ugly cry. My face squished up, the water running down my cheeks.
The older woman says nothing, just holding me.
It’s been over four years since I’ve seen my mum. She’d stopped hugging me years before that.
Jane runs a hand down my back, not even needing words. If there was anybody who would yell at Hadrian on my behalf, it’s her; the Hallows and their money be damned.
“I’m okay.” I wipe the tears away. My eyes burn when I reopen them. “I’m okay.”
“Why did you not stay home and rest?” Jane chides. It’s the gentle tone of her voice that brings another swell to my chest. “Abe told me you were injured.”
I shake my head, stepping back. “No, it’s fine.”
Jane levels me with a motherly look but doesn’t argue. “You barely ate. Let me get you something else.”
“I’m all right, really.”
When I step out of the supply closet, Abe’s dad is just on the other side. He offers me two bowls of ice cream, along with his signature toothy grin.
“Thank you.” It’s directed to him and his wife.
I slip back through the swinging door. Ben picks up whatever he’s working on, tucking it under his arm, and heads to his boyfriend.
I’m confused to find Tristan at the front door, acting as hostess. But when I see Jane heading to him, relief unknots in my chest, grateful the woman distracted him.
I hand Ren a bowl of ice cream, her mouth dropping open. She snaps it closed a second later as if remembering she won’t be bribed with sweet treats.
“Abe’s dad gave it to us.” Which means any lecture Abe might be inclined to give us is void.
Ren pushes her planner away, the edges of the paper wrinkled from use. She settles back in her seat. I pretend her wariness doesn’t chip at my defenses.
At least she takes a bite of the ice cream, her cheeks puffing out.
For a few minutes we’re just two friends sitting in a restaurant eating dessert.
It comes as no surprise that I don’t know what to say to her. Until I catch sight of Tristan leading a couple to a table.
“He took me to a gym today.”
Ren lurches, her spoon stabbing the melting vanilla ice cream. “What?”
I take a tiny bite of ice cream, licking the spoon and shrugging.