chapter 28
RICO
Man, I knew something was up the second we left that hospital.
Luka had that look. The one he gets when he's holding something heavy in his head and pretending he's fine.
We were supposed to grab breakfast and head back. Simple plan. Food, clothes, peace.
But nothing's ever simple when you hang around Marino people.
"Yo," I said, side-eyeing him while we walked down the street, cold air cutting through my hoodie. "You took your sweet time in there. What, y'all have a therapy session?"
He smirked a little, but it didn't touch his eyes. "Julian needed someone to talk to."
"Yeah, I bet he did. Boy almost died, got heartbreak on top of it. Rough combo." I paused, then bumped him with my shoulder. "Still don't mean you gotta be late, man. My stomach's out here writing letters to God."
He laughed, finally, real one this time. "Sorry, bro. My bad."
"Mm-hm," I said, grinning. "You say that, but next time, I'm leavin' you."
