We all lost April. But they’re still here, and I’m still here. And I’m a grown ass adult. It’s time for me to stop being intimidated by them. To stop feeling like I’m going to get in trouble. They haven’t done anything to hurt me. May and I don’t see them often, but they’ve still been there for us. They loaned me money when I needed it, and they check in on us. Just because we don’t have a lot in common doesn’t mean we can’t have a good relationship.

Elise, who wears cashmere sweaters that are probably more expensive than my electric bill, is sitting here in yoga pants and a baggy T-shirt, because she was more than happy to try yoga in the middle of the town green when May asked her to. And while Grant looks slightly more uncomfortable in his workout clothes, he did it too.

They’ve been trying, and I’m the only one who hasn’t been. If I want to be closer to them, maybe all I need to do is put in the effort.

And it sounds like I’m going to get the chance, if they’ll be living here soon. It’s strange how I don’t actually hate that thought. Guess we’ve already made some progress.

When I glance at May, she’s watching me closely, her eyes cautious but hopeful. She wants this. She must be thrilled at the idea of her grandparents moving here, but I suspect she’s holding back her reaction for my benefit. Because she’s worried about how I feel.

I give her a reassuring smile before I turn back to Elise and Grant. “I think having the two of you closer would be great.”

For once, I’m not lying to them.

At my words, May squeals and jumps out of her seat, a huge grin taking over her face. First, she hugs me, whispering in my ear how much she loves me, then she hugs each of her grandparents. Everyone’s smiling now.

And damn, I wish Travis were here to see this. I think he’d be happy for me. Probably even proud of me. But he’s not here, which again puts a huge damper on my mood. A sad sigh slips out before I can stop it.

Elise catches it and frowns. “I’m so glad you won’t mind us being here,” she tells me. “But honestly, Brenden, I’m still confused about what happened with Travis.”

I turn my gaze out the window. The flowers on the magnolia tree have wilted. “I told you,” I say, unable to look at her. “It was all fake.”

Grant clears his throat, forcing my attention. “So you mean the two of you were never dating? At all?”

“Nope.” Despite what I thought was happening, none of it was real.