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“Because…she’s my mother,” he says quietly. “And I…haven’t been the best son. I want to try to make up for that.”

I look down at the tiny drive between my fingers, feeling floored and oddly touched on Ezra’s and Jackie’s behalf. I swallow, nodding. “You know, I’ve found things too,” I inform him.

“That doesn’t surprise me,” he chuffs with a laugh.

“Things that will mean some rough times for your father,” I go on. “He isn’t innocent, Eli. I intend to make sure everyone knows that. Are you okay with that?”

Eli looks away from me, shoving his hands in his pockets and pursing his lips. “You know, I’ve learned a lot about family in the last few days. I’ve learned that the loyalty we give because of blood isn’t always deserved. It’s something I wish I’d learned a lot sooner, but all I can do is try to make up for it now.” He nods solemnly, turning back to me. “So yes, I’m okay with it. I can’t sit idly by anymore while people suffer. And if you can…tell my mother…” His eyes shine, and the emotion there makes him look more human. Maybe more than he’s ever looked. “Tell her I’m sorry that I ever did.”

I tuck the drive into my pocket. “I think she’d rather hear it from you.”

“Right,” he says thickly. “Hopefully she will someday. When I deserve to tell her.”

I nod, not knowing what else to say. Everything about today has been an emotional roller coaster. Eli returns my nod, clearing his throat and holding out his hand. I eye it for a second before tentatively reaching to clasp it in a slow shake.

“Congratulations on your win, Ms. Pierce,” he says.

I grin, feeling the full weight of my victory. “Thank you, Mr. Hart.”

He lets go of my hand to leave me standing there, and it takes several seconds for me to remember how to use my feet, still slightly stunned by the conversation we just had. I don’t believe I will actuallyneedthe drive in my pocket to take down Alexander—but the fact that Eli would give it…I know it will mean the world to their mother. I intend to make sure she hears all about it, if I can.

Which reminds me…I have somewhere to be.

Thirty-One

Ezra

“Mom, I cantake you,” I try for the third time.

She waves me off. “I miss Rita. She’s fine to take me to the doctor, Ezra. Don’t hover.”

“Of course I’m going to hover,” I grumble.

“Don’t I know it,” she laughs. “You’ve been doing it for days.”

I narrow my eyes, but she just laughs again, closing the distance between us and patting my cheek. “I love you, darling, but you need to get out of this apartment. I’ll be fine.”

I believe it, to a degree. It’s only been a few days that my mother has been staying with me, but in just that short time she’s been…lighter. Lighter than I’ve ever seen her. Like she’s finally free, and maybe even feels like she deserves to be. It makes me feel lighter too.

Mostly.

I’m still trying not to think about the Dani-shaped hole in my life.

“I just worry about you.”

My mother smiles softly. “I know, darling. You’ve been playing the role of a parent for so many years now…and I’m so grateful. But I have to figure out how to be that for you now, okay? Let me try to do things on my own. Even if just a little. Have to start somewhere, right?”

“Fine,” I concede. “But call me when you’re done. Let me know if you go anywhere else.”

“Yes, yes,” she huffs. “I will. Try to do something fun, okay? You’re starting to stressmeout with all your moping, and I’m supposed to be the basket case.”

“Don’t joke like that,” I chide. “You are not.”

Still, I have to admit that hearing her make a joke is exhilarating, even if I hate that it’s at her expense.

“I’ll see you in a few hours, okay?”

I nod, biting my tongue at the urge to ask to take her again. “All right.”