Chapter 39. I'm Not Helpless

Rae:

It’s morning.

We’re running late. Again.

Eliza is bickering with Kieran about something ridiculous in the kitchen—something about eggs and how he can’t crack one without making it look like a crime scene.

I’m not even listening anymore.

I’m at the door, grabbing the keys and double-checking my bag. Our aprons. The new ledger book. My phone. Lip balm. Everything we’ll need for the café.

I hear his footsteps before I feel him.

S comes from behind—silent, heavy, familiar. His hand brushes my arm and I freeze, just for a second, feeling that static pass between us. I turn, and there it is again.

That look.

The way his brows are drawn together. His lips a tight line. Jaw clenched. Forehead creased. Eyes scanning me like I might disappear at any moment.

“S…” I whisper, stepping toward him.

He doesn’t say anything.

Doesn’t need to.

I know exactly what he’s thinking. What’s been haunting him since Karina show