Page 75 of Revived

“Are you okay?”

“Yup. Fine,” I say, moving out of his hands to drain the pasta, leaving him standing there. But I don’t dare turn around right now to see his face, because if he sees mine, I will never be able to hide my pain. And the last thing I want to do is have a conversation with him with Hannah’s parents here, because it’s not going to be a quick one and I won’t be able to handle the tension.

Bringing the plate to the table, I set it down in the center before announcing my departure. I know I can’t sit here right now, the tears threatening to fall too strong to keep down while we eat.

“I hope you guys enjoy. I just remembered I need to call my mom. I promised I would check in with her before she goes to bed.”

“It’s only six thirty,” Teresa says.

“Ah, yes. But she lives in New York,” I force out on a tight-lipped smile.

“Oh. Alright. Well, thank you for the meal. It smells incredible,” she replies.

“You’re welcome.”

Luke’s inquisitive eyes watch me as I move away. “You’re not hungry?”

Shaking my head, I reach for my purse, preparing to leave even though I know it makes little sense for me to drive away just for a phone call. “No. I’ve lost my appetite.”

Before he can say anything else, I run out the door and sit in my car as the tears fall freely and heartache overtakes me. I manage to brush away enough moisture to drive, so I take off, headed for anywhere in town but here—the only place that felt like home since leaving New York. But I guess all good things always come to an end.

---