Chapter 388

Madison

Alexander’s voice followed, too low for me to make out words but unmistakably his. That particular cadence, the way he spoke with authority, even in casual conversation.

I focused on my pasta, twirling noodles with mechanical precision.

“Mom, can we get dessert here, too?” Ethan asked around a mouthful of spaghetti.

“Maybe. Finish your dinner first.”

“I am finishing it!” He shoveled in another huge bite to prove his point.

“Slow down. The food isn’t going anywhere.”

He ignored me as he continued his assault on the spaghetti.

Movement caught my eye. Anthony stood, pulling out his phone as he headed toward the restroom. Alexander remained at the table, finally visible as Anthony’s body no longer blocked my view.

He looked tired. The kind of bone-deep exhaustion that came from more than just a long day. His jaw was tight, his fingers drumming against his water glass in that familiar pattern I’d seen a thousand times.<