~Jennie’s~

“My, my. And here I was thinking that boy would never grow a conscience.”

That’s the first thing Mama says when she sees the gift basket in my hand. Not me, not hi sweetheart, not how’s Blue doing?—but that.

She stares at it like it’s some kind of miracle. Wrapped neatly. Tied with navy ribbon. Plastered with handwritten notes. There’s even a sprig of rosemary at the top. Very unlike Reo. Very… soft.

I let out a weak chuckle and adjust my grip on it. “He asked me to pass it to you. Said it’s got that hibiscus jam you like.”

She waves a hand and walks back toward...