Thankfully, my appointment to—hopefully—have my cast removed was only a week and a half away. I couldn’t freaking wait.
“No miles, I promise.”
“Okay.”
It seemed like every time I turned around, I was easing into a new normal. This newest one consisted of Tristin, Leo, and the football team going out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed or could possibly want.
Meanwhile, Hayle had been conspicuously absent ever since I agreed to keep Lily’s secrets. He’d only dropped by the townhouse once, and even then, he’d been more withdrawn than usual. Which was saying something, since he already tended to withdraw in the presence of his brothers.
If he didn’t change his tune, I intended to call him out over it. But I figured I should give him a week or two to adjust to his mother’s absence before bringing it up.
About ten minutes after leaving campus, Tristin pulled into the parking lot of a building that reminded me of an elementary school. Reading the sign, I asked, “The Moss Harbor Youth Center?”
“Yeah.” He smirked at me. “You’re not allergic to children, are you?”
“Not that I know of. Then again, I haven’t spent much time around them.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”
As we made our way into the center, I waited for Tristin to tell me what we were doing here. But he just walked through the glass doors and up to the front desk like he’d done this a dozen times.
“Hello, Mary,” he said to a middle-aged woman sitting behind the desk. “I brought a friend with me today. I hope that’s okay.”
Mary smiled warmly at him. “Of course. What’s your name, dear?” she asked me.
“Thea Gale.”
“Okay. I’ve got you two checked in.” To Tristin, she added, “The boys have already stopped by three times to make sure you were coming in today.”
He merely smiled and headed down the hall toward a set of open double doors. I followed, more curious than ever. Who were “the boys,” and why were they so excited to see Tristin?
“I take it you volunteer here regularly?”
“Once a week ever since I got out of juvie.”
“Are you required to do some kind of community service as part of your…” I trailed off, not even sure what question I was asking. He’d served his time, and I seriously doubted any more was required of him now. But I wanted to understand why he was here. Why he came here every week.
Tristin paused to look at me. The slight uptick to his lips suggested that he was amused more than offended, thankfully. “What are you saying? You don’t think I’m altruistic enough to volunteer on my own?”
I shook my head. “Honestly, I’m starting to think I don’t know you well enough to answer that question.”
He took two steps forward, until only inches separated us. Lowering his head and his voice, he said, “That’s not true. You know me better than anyone, Thea.”
Unable to keep my gaze trained on his, I stared at his chin, wondering how I’d been so wrong and so right about him all at the same time. Ever since he’d re-entered my life, all broody and aloof, I’d wanted to believe the sensitive, lovable boy I’d known years ago still lived inside of him. But I’d allowed myself to be distracted by his coldness and numerous attempts to push away the people who cared about him.
I wasn’t distracted anymore.
“I’m not sure that I do, but I’d like to.” The words escaped my lips on a whisper, leaving behind an ache that was so loud, I could have sworn it echoed through me.
Damn it. Why did the truth hurt so much?
When I finally slid my gaze back up, his was zeroed in on my mouth. I inhaled sharply, and he took a rigid step away from me. “We should get in there.”
I nodded and followed him into a well-lit gym. A group of boys were clustered together on the small set of bleachers, and two girls jumped rope in the corner. A woman approached as soon as we entered. “Hi, Tristin.”
“Hey, Jane. I got them from here.”
“Thanks.”
I didn’t have to wonder what he meant, because seconds later, all seven of the boys who had been lounging were sprinting toward us, calling Tristin’s name. He grinned at them—yes, grinned—and even ruffled the littlest one’s mop of brown hair.
“Hey, guys. This is my friend, Thea.” Then, he introduced me to each of the boys by name. Though I wasn’t