Page 76 of Nocere

"I know." Rebecca grinned and licked some cream from her fork. "Just for you today. Jay got his favorite last time."

"Mmm. Double chocolate mousse cake. Luckily, it's Dad's favorite, too. Right, old man?" Jason laughed when his father elbowed him.

"I'll give you old man." Steve reached over and messed up Jason's hair. "Bah. There you go."

"Dad!" Jason huffed and puffed. "I'm seeing my girlfriend later."

"She'll love the fresh out of bed look. It matches your wrinkled pants."

"Dad!"

Rebecca and I laughed at them while enjoying our cake. I glanced at my phone when it buzzed to see a text from Alex asking me if I planned to return home.

"Not your girl?" asked Rebecca and I shook my head.

"Just Alex." I turned to her after setting down my fork. "Have you ever sent anyone flowers?"

"I have. Did Samirah send you flowers?"

"No. I'd like to send her flowers." I took a deep breath, letting my gaze linger on my phone. "Can you show me?"

"Of course." Rebecca kissed my shoulder, then leaned close to me to gaze at my phone. "Do you want to send them to her house or work?"

"Work. She's going to be there for three twelve-hour shifts in a row."

"Great." Rebecca smiled and tapped my phone. "Pull up the website for Seattle Flowers."

"Okay." I listened to her and did so. Steve and Jason watched us while they both dove in for seconds of cake. "I got it."

"Now, look through some of the arrangements to see if there is anything you like," instructed Rebecca. Anxiety made my palms sweaty and she rubbed my back.

"Do you think she'll like flowers?" I asked, doubting my intentions as I browsed the pictures of dozens of displays.

"I think she will like it very much," said Rebecca, nodding along with her affirmation.

"How about this one? It's not too overwhelming, but it's pretty. Six red roses and one rainbow in the center." I zoomed in on the photo to show her.

"It's lovely." Rebecca smiled and nodded her agreement. "It's subtle and sexy."

"Gross, Ma." Jason scowled and his father swatted his shoulder.

"Get over it, brat. Your parents say words like sexy." Rebecca narrowed her eyes at him and it made me laugh.

"Ugh. Don't say it again. Rosie, are you staying over? I need another for Fortnite." Jason chugged the rest of his coffee while watching me.

"Um...I wasn't going to, but I can stay for a while." I hit submit once punching in the addresses and credit card information. "Done. It says they'll deliver them tomorrow morning."

"Good, sweet girl." Rebecca grinned. "She'll be surprised."

"I hope so. Thanks for helping."

"Of course."

"C'mon, Rosie." Jason waved for me to follow him when he stood. I hopped up after him and headed downstairs to the entertainment room.

At home with the Santoro's, I felt like myself. Their home was the only place I ever felt safe, save for my own apartment over time. Rebecca, after scooping me up out of the trafficking situations twice, stole me away from the danger of group and foster homes, and wrapped me in security. My gratitude for her remained endless.

"What are you thinking about?" asked Jason while we played the game. "You keep getting shot."

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