“Sorry,” he replies with a shake of his head. “I’m not used to talking; it’s been a while.”

“No, it’s okay. But I would like to get to know you better.”

“I used to be an open book, but I’ve not had the opportunity in such a long time. Ask me anything, Piper.”

“Where do you live?”

“My mom lives on the edge of town, close to the decent side but not that close. Our house is small, but Mom has a lot of pride in it. She spent ten years renovating it all by herself. My dad moved away when I was ten, and I haven’t heard from him since.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“It’s no loss.”

“Do you have siblings?”

He looks away, something passing through his eyes that steals my breath.

“Evan, what is it?” I ask softly.

I think he has siblings. Or had.

“My brother is two years older than me, he lives in the city but checks in regularly. Well, I assume he still does anyway. But my sister died when she was five.”

“Oh God, I’m so sorry.”

He laughs bitterly. “My dad left before her funeral. He told us it was too much, and he left. Me and my brother, Luke, weren’t enough for him to stay. I was ten and Luke twelve. I’ve never felt so low and worthless as I did that day. Elliana was the only kid he wanted.”

“That’s awful.”

He clicks his tongue. “It’s done now.”

Somehow, I don’t think it is. You don’t get over the death of your sibling or the rejection of a parent, not completely.

“Evan, you are enough.”

He sucks a long breath in through his teeth. “No one has ever said that.”

“Not even your mom?”

“At the time, she was too buried in the grief of losing Ellie. By the time she resembled my mom again, I was doing okay. Luke and I got through it together.”

“You were only ten.”

“I grew up fast.”

“No one should have to grow up fast like that.”

“Piper,” he breathes, closing his eyes. “Can we not talk about this anymore, please?”

“Of course. I’m sorry.”

“No.” He opens his eyes. “It’s not that. You’re not hurting me, you’re healing me, but it’s too much.”

I bite my lip, my heart light with the knowledge that I’ve given him some peace, even without trying. I wish his mom were able to tell him that his dad was wrong at the time.

“Okay.” I sit straighter and smile, shifting the mood. “What’s your favorite food?”

He grins. “Burgers from Lyle’s. You ever been?”

“No, but I’ve heard good things. It’s just out of town, isn’t it?”

“Yeah. When we get out, we’re going.”

Don’t ask if it’s a date.