Page 85 of Hidden Echoes

I focus on putting the groceries away, but a quiet sense of pride bubbles up in me.

I know Mia isn’t used to this kind of affection, to people checking in on her, caring for her like that. It’s something she’s not always comfortable with. But it’s good to see her socializing, getting the attention and care she deserves. She needs it, and I’m proud to see her starting to embrace it.

Mia pockets her phone and looks up at me, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “You know, I’m really glad I made a new friend yesterday.”

I chuckle, trying to keep the tone light. “I wouldn’t exactly be grateful to be friends with Audrey, she’s a brat, but I’m happy for you,” I say, but the smirk on my face gives away how little I actually care for Audrey.

Mia raises an eyebrow, clearly curious. "How do you know she’s a brat?"

I shift my weight on the kitchen counter, leaning back a little. “She’s from my town. Her father used to be one of my father’s best friends. Her brother’s my brother’s best friend, and everything,” I explain, trying to downplay it. “Let’s just say... she’s got a reputation.”

Mia pauses, looking thoughtful as she taps her fingers on the countertop, clearly mulling over what I just said. After a moment, her playful grin resurfaces, and she looks up at me. “Maybe one day I can visit her in Austin.”

The words hit me like a sudden wave, cold and unexpected. My chest tightens, a knot forming in my stomach, and I do my best to ignore the way it stings. “Austin?” I echo, my voice a little lower than usual. I try not to let the unease show.

It’s a casual comment, nothing loaded in her tone, but it still hits me like a gut punch. My chest tightens, and for a second, all I can think about is my mom—her voice, her presence, the weight of going back there.

I haven’t stepped foot in that city in years for a reason. I have no intention of changing that.

“Yeah, why not?” she says, completely unaware of the storm brewing in my head. “I could go visit whenever I feel like it.”

I exhale slowly, pushing down the instinct to tell her it’s a bad idea. “Well, I guess I’m glad you found someone. You deserve a friend who gets you,” I say, and I mean it.

She laughs softly, leaning back against the seat, her grin widening. “I’m not saying Audrey’s my best friend or anything... but don’t worry, you don’t need to feel threatened. You’ll always be my best friend, hubby.”

I grin, playing along. “I can’t believe you just friend-zoned your husband.”

She laughs, her voice softening as she gives me a teasing look. “You’re, you know, my best friend.” She says it in a small voice, almost like she’s trying to reassure me.

And I can’t help but smile. “You are my best friend too, my sweet chaos,” I reply, starting the car.

Even as the engine hums to life, the thought of Austin lingers at the back of my mind, unwelcome and heavy. But I push it aside because right now, Mia is happy.

She’s socializing, opening up, living. And if that means a cart full of junk food and some chaos with Audrey, then so be it.

CHAPTER 20

ZANE

“I can’t believe you actually married the girl,”Charlie says, a smug grin tugging at her lips.

I roll my eyes. “I swear, Charlie—”

“I mean, I noticed you’ve been giving her the fuck-me looks ever since she almost killed you in that hospital, but married? That’s kind of new.”

I huff. “Are you going to be useful anytime soon, or—?”

“Are you going to divorce her?” she interrupts, eyes gleaming with amusement.

“No,” I admit, and she chuckles, clearly entertained.

“Well, good for you, I guess. Anyway, I ran some tests this morning based on what you reported about Mia, and the results are in.”

I straighten a little. “And?”

Charlie leans against her desk, arms crossed. “Physically, she sleeps anywhere and feels exhausted all the time because she has narcolepsy. It’s a neurological disorder that causes sudden sleep attacks and muscle weakness. That explains why she collapses randomly.”

I exhale sharply, the pieces clicking together in a way that makes my stomach twist. That… actually makes sense.

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