GERALD

Rosa's grip tightened around my hand, and a peal of laughter bubbled in my throat. Who knew she could get so territorial? The faces before me were as unfamiliar as we could be. I didn't recognize any of them, and I wasn't bothered enough to.

"He said he doesn't know you," Rosa said calmly, pulling me away. "Come, Jonathan must be waiting for us."

Seeing her so on her toes was pleasing, and I nodded slightly, more than willing to do whatever she said. I wouldn't dare to protest in such a sweet situation like this. Before we could move away, one of the women called out to me,...