Aaliyah’s Return
“Might I add—you’re an amazing mother. We lucked out meeting you.”
I laugh, blushing. “You’re such a smooth talker.”
“I’m serious, Aaliyah,” he replies.
Hours pass before we notice. The cake arrives, and we share it, still deep in conversation. As we finish, I realize it’s getting late—Brandon will be bringing Noah home soon. I’d rather be back before that. When we reach the Noir Flame, I don’t see Brandon’s car in the parking lot. Noah isn’t home yet. We linger in the car, still talking. I open up about Wyoming—how I used my school savings to rent my first place, how I met Amanda, and how building the design studio saved me. Shawn listens intently, his presence steady and warm. Without real
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