Page 89 of Seeking Shadows

It’s strange how good he is at it. So good that if I didn’t know him, I might actually believe he’s the real deal.

Laura and I had planned to meet at Tony’s diner, so I drive there. Halfway there, I get a text from her:Edo has a fever.

Oh, poor thing.

I reply quickly, wishing him well. As I keep driving, I think, maybe I’ll grab some waffles while I’m here. Maybe I’ll even take some to Katie—if I can find her.When it’s safe.

Maybe I can convince Nico to let me see her. Wait for him to be in a good mood. Or maybe Zane will find her first, and... well, then I have no idea what I’ll do. Best not to think about that right now.

I park and walk into the diner. I glance around but don’t see Tony or Sammy. Instead, there’s a guy behind the register. He looks about my age but has this quiet, reserved vibe, like he’s just here to do the job and nothing else.

“Where’s Tony?” I ask, leaning against the counter.

“He went on a date,” he says flatly. “With one of the waitresses.”

My eyes widen.I knew it!The other day, I saw the glances between them.Tony, you sly dog.

“And you are?” I ask, curious.

“Me?” he blinks, surprised. “I’m his grandson.”

I tilt my head, studying him more closely.

“His grandson? I thought you were about twelve.”

He sighs, clearly used to this kind of comment.

“No, actually, I’m almost graduating from college.”

“You should tell your grandfather about that,” I tease.

“Grandpa still sees me as twelve. I don’t think that’s going to change,” he says softly.

There’s something in the way he says it that makes me pause. It’s not dramatic, but there’s a quiet kind of acceptance in his voice—like he’s long since made peace with it.

I raise an eyebrow. “Uh-huh. I’m gonna need proof you’re not just a really articulate middle schooler.”

He grins. “Take a selfie and send it to someone.”

I laugh and snap a quick photo—he’s mid-laugh, looking like one of those effortlessly charming guys from a university brochure.

Naturally, I pull out my phone and text Zane.

Mia:guess what

Mia:I was right—Tony is on a date.

Mia:but plot twist: I’m too busy catching up with his grandson

Mia:(yes, the one I thought was twelve???) turns out he’s graduating college and very much not a child

Mia:he literally told me to send a selfie so people know I’m not delusional

Mia:so here you go accidental-on-purpose evidence attached

Mia:also… kinda cute, right?

Mia:how’s your day going, tattoo boy?

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