LIN

tch. 1:30 PM. Why was C

nd dialed her number. Surely, she had

is toy truck against the table. His boredom was my

tion. I looked up and spotted Caroline standing by the

waved, relief

ables. As always, she looked effortlessly elegant-her silk blouse and pencil

aware of the wild curls framing my f

oline said as she slid into the seat across from

been i

sweetheart," she cooed, her smile widening. "

ng her a shy smile before

h an expression I couldn't quite read. "Those

sked, my tone sharpe

thing," she said quickly, brushing it off with a smile. But so

hough her words s

ine?" she asked, her to

long the edge of the menu, "I'm une

sympathy. "Have you considered ask

You know I can

sked. "I get it, but think about Caes

snapped. "That's why I'm not d

n surrender. "Fair enough. But it's tough

quietly. "And I

t figure something out soon, Caesar and I

cross the table to squeeze my hand. "I'll

d I managed a small smile

ng at her cousin's mansion. The position was as

ope sparked in my chest. This

********

an expected. I bolted out of bed t

ed, pulling him from

r morning wash. By the time we were both dressed-me in a simple bl

, dodging a sharp gla

eek. Don't make me come knocking,"

cing a polite smile. "

through streets that grew more pris

ing out the window at t

er said with a chuckle. "Welcome to

ass-fronted mansion, and I stepp

head, its sheer size m

spered, giving Caes

when a crisp voice crackled t

own," I st

ve an appo

ord referred me for

hen a soft click as

d inside. The path was lined with perfectly tri

expression harsh. She looked me over, th

aid curtly, turni

nged in a magazine. Caesar's small giggles broke the sil

topped in fro

said, giving me a pointed

breath, my hea

d to myself, "here

esar. The study was lined with bookshelves

s back to us, leani

I called

my breath caugh

er R

onto mine, and the room s