Chapter 12

[Ten years ago]

“Hey, what’s up, skinny dipper!” Giannis said, joining Regina where she sat, watching the waves at the beach.

She didn’t respond but just turned her face away. Giannis figured she was probably feeling embarrassed about being caught naked in the lake at midnight.

“What’s the matter, Reggie? Is it because of last night? You don’t have to feel that way. I couldn’t even see you properly; it was really dark.”

“Leave me alone, Seven. I’m not in the mood,” Regina replied in a low voice.

“For real, I only saw your eyes because they were so bright.”

“I don’t care, Seven. Now is not a good time to talk. Just let me be.”

“Okay, let’s do this. I’ll ask a question, and you’ll answer with yes or no.”

“Whatever,” she snapped, wiping her cheeks. At that moment, Giannis realized that his strong friend was crying. It made his heart constrict painfully. He didn’t like the idea that he was the reason why she was crying.

“Am I the rea