Page 114 of Introvert

London faked a grimace, but it turned into a smile a second later. "Thanks, friend."

I rolled my eyes then asked, "Who's that with Santino?"

"His grandma," she said, and we watched as Santino helped her into a chair. He was so attentive to her, so gentle. His eyes didn't stray once to the many fans vying for his attention. "She raised him, you know."

"Really?" I said. "What happened to his parents?"

"Not sure.All I know is theydidn't die in a car crash like ours did." Her words held a bitter edge, and I felt her painas if it was my own. I hadn't asked about the foster home situation, knowing London would tell me if she wanted me to know. But I didn't expect this.

"That sucks," I said. "I'm so sorry, London, and I know it doesn'thelp. But I wish I could've met them."

"You do?"

"Yeah, they must've been amazing to have had you and your brother."

London's eyes got misty, and her face regained a bit of its normal glow. "Thanks for saying that."

I shrugged. "It's true."

"And it does help."

She was probably just being nice, but it made me feel better, hearing my words might've eased her pain even a little.

"About Santino," she added, "like I said, I don't know thewhole story. Buthe ended up living with his grandma at a young age. He'staken care of her ever since he became an adult."

"That's surprising," I said then tilted my head, "but also not. Santino's a good guy."

"Yeah, his cockiness just overshadows that sometimes."

Looking around the room, there was one face I definitely did not see.

"Mr. Cordova didn't come," I whispered to London.

"Yeah," she said, "Felix was right about that."

"I'm not sure he wanted to be."

In fact, despite the clear rift between them, I thought Felix might've been hoping his dad would show up—whether he'd admit it or not. The guys wereclustereda few feet away, and I noticed Felix standing off to the side. Ryker was the closest to him. They'd both been quiet, keeping to themselves, letting everyone else flow around them during the meet and greet.Which was kind of normal, but there was a definite air of sadness surrounding the brothers.

"He looks unhappy," I said. "So does Ryker."

"Ryker doesn't smile much—at least around me," London said then sighed. "But you're right. He and Fe do seem down."

Thanks to their dad and his broken promises.

While I was thinking of all the things I wished I could say to the man, a girl stepped in front of us.Shecouldn't have been older than 13.

"Hi," she said, looking up at me with a smile, "you're Aurora, right?"

"That's me," I said.

"Would you sign this for me?"

The girl held out a tour t-shirt.

"Absolutely," I said. "Do you have a pen?"

When I was finished, I looked back up at her.

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