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She retreats a few steps, and I fully expect her to leave. Surprising me, she grabs a chair from the front row and jerks it away from the desk. It scrapes across the floor, making a loud screeching sound that hurts my ears.

I watch, eyes wide, as she sits beside me.

“About a month ago.” She suddenly flicks her attention to the doorway, as if someone were watching.

I peek a glance, making sure it’s not Julian.

The man loves to sneak into my class.

There’s no one.

She runs her hand over her floral tank. “He killed himself.”

“Is that why you’re here?” I ask, softening my voice. “You have nowhere else to go? No family?”

She plays with her hands on the desk. “My mother is still alive. She and my father were never married, and then she married my stepfather when I was eight. I have a younger sister.”

“You can’t stay with them?”

“They kicked me out.” Her attention slips to her chipped nails, and she bites at them. “She said since I was twenty, they didn’t owe me anything. My stepfather handed me a hundred dollars and told me to get started on living my ‘adult life.’” She says the last two words in air quotes.

“You came to the right place, Sage,” I say, resting my hand on her shoulder. “Safe Hearts will help you every step of the way in moving into youradult life.” I don’t use air quotes. “Please talk to our therapist and tell Lora your situation. They’ll help you find a job, get on your feet, and find you a program for housing assistance. And anytime I’m here, feel free to come to me. I’m always here to talk aboutanything. It doesn’t even have to be serious all the time.”

“Thank you,” she whispers, a tear falling down her cheek before she slowly lifts her gaze back to mine. “I’m glad I came to your class today.”

I smile at her. “I’m glad you did too.”

It’s been a rough week,but I’ve made it.

I’ve made it because of the people I have around me.

Julian has cut his time at the casino in half. When I talked to Pippa, she mentioned Damien and Antonio weren’t happy aboutit. I bite my lip, holding back from telling her that maybe it was Julian’s time for happiness.

He’s always fought for other people’s relationships and safety. It’s time he does the same for himself.

As usual, a vase of peonies is on the nightstand when I wake up.

Sometimes there’s a note to go with them, but it’s not always consistent.

Today, there is one.

I’m taking you out tonight. Don’t wear black.

His notes are always short and straight to the point.

Never longer than a few sentences.

Opening my nightstand drawer, I grab the pile of his other notes I’ve saved and flip through them.

Order something nice for yourself on your card.

I ordered a new pair of heels.

Will be home late. Sleep naked, pls.

That night, he woke me up, and we pretty much had sex for three hours straight.

You look gorgeous when you sleep. Don’t think that’s creepy.