“Isabella,” Adrian said softly. He was not proud of the name.

“What? No way,” Joey exclaimed.

“How? I thought we had gotten over this,” he added.

Adrian sat on the couch, his head in his palm. His phone kept buzzing. Joey took the phone. The present call was from his uncle. He picked up the call.

“Uncle Lucas.”

“Where is your friend?” he asked, his tone sharp.

“He is not accessible at the moment.”

Joey listened to everything Lucas had to say. He said yes occasionally, exchanging a worried glance with Adrian. He was still sitting on the couch, his expression a mix of frustration and concern.

“Uncle Lucas,” Joey...