Moments like this, Ash could almost forget where she was. Then a rat the size of a housecat would scurry by in search of food, or a junkie would let out a blood-curdling scream, or a sharp pungent odor would invade her nose and Ash would be reminded that none of this was normal. Nate was homeless, living here on the streets of Skid Row. They all lived here, Leslie, Eli, Vic, Mo, and the others, joining thousands of homeless men, women, and children. They called themselves the Tribe, a makeshift family that looked after one another. It wasn’t an ideal situation, but Ash was glad he’d found people to look out for him. Nate deserved that.

“You’re too quiet. What’s going on up there?” Nate asked, his finger lightly tapping her temple.

“Just thinking about us,” she said with a kiss. Her phone buzzed, the familiar text alert. It was her foster mother. Got stuck on a case. Running late. You order the pizza. I’ll pick it up. Home by eight thirty. Xoxo

Ash’s eyes flitted back to her newly inked tattoo. She was so caught up in the moment, everyone cheering her on and encouraging her to get the tattoo, that she hadn’t thought about Becca. Not her smartest move. Her foster mother was going to be pissed.

Ash blamed Nate. He made her careless. All the promises she’d given to Becca, her probation officer—even her therapist—went out the window once he came along. When she wasn’t hanging out with him, she was thinking about when she could see him again.

Not wanting Becca to worry, Ash quickly responded. Can’t wait. I’m starving. Hope you had a good day. See ya soon. She hit send, and turned back to Nate. “I have to go,” Ash said softly.

“Can’t you stay a little longer?”

“No. She would worry.” Ash wound her arms around Nate’s neck. “You could always come with me.”

His entire body tensed. “I can’t and you know it,” he said.

Ash couldn’t hide her annoyance. “Are you serious? Jesus, Nate, I’ve been sneaking around for three months. Lying to Becca about us for three months.”

Nate’s carefree demeanor vanished, his grip loosening on her. “Please don’t do this, Ash. Not now. Not tonight.”

That’s what he always said. Not now. Not tonight. This isn’t a good time. Don’t ruin it.

“All I’m asking is for you to come to dinner, so Becca knows you exist. One night. That’s all.”

“Then what? She welcomes me with open arms, no questions asked? Nothing about how we met? Where we met? No questions about my parents? Or where I live and go to school?”

They’d had this discussion before. Ash understood Nate’s concern. He was a minor—as were many of the others. If Becca found out they were living on the streets, she would be legally obligated to report it.

“I’ll run interference. Keep the interrogation to a minimum. I’m good at that,” Ash said, trying to keep her voice light.