For one second, I can’t speak.
Then a smile spreads across my face so wide my cheeks hurt, and a cheer tears out of me loud enough that I’m sure the entire estate hears it.
“I’m coming home, Mav,” he says, laughing.
My chest tightens because he’s right.
Home has never been a location for us. Stefano is my twin. The other half of who I am. I am his home, and he is mine.
“Yes,” I agree, my voice rough. “Weare.”
Chapter Five
Mia
“I’m sorry, could you please repeat that?”
“You need to come pick up your daughter because she started a fight.”
I take a moment to process the words.
A fight?
Olivia?
My Olivia, who cries when a moth gets trapped in the porch light?
“What was the fight over?” I ask, already grabbing my keys.
“The cause isn’t the issue, Mrs. Moore,” the woman says, her tone clipped. “The fact of the matter is, Olivia shoved another student, and he got hurt.”
“I beg to differ,” I say, trying my best to keep my anger in check. “If Olivia shoved someone, there was a very good reason behind it.”
“Mrs. Moore –”
“I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
I end the call before she can say anything else, because right now, I don’t trust my mouth to behave.
“Rory, I have to head out,” I tell him, grabbing my purse from the counter. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, but I’m not sure how long it’ll be. Don’t forget the wildlife rescue team is coming by today to pick up the tortoises. If they have any questions for me, just call.”
“Everything alright, ma’am?”
“I have to go pick up Livy. I guess she shoved someone.”
Rory blinks once.
“Kid probably deserved it.”
Despite the panic twisting in my stomach, a small laugh slips out of me.
“What?” he says with a shrug. “Miss Olivia doesn’t go around shoving people for fun. Take your time. I have everything here under control.”
I don’t have a single doubt that he does.
Rory has been with me long enough to know the routine, the animals, and the million tiny emergencies that can pop up in a day. He may not own this place, but he cares about it like he does.
Nodding my thanks, I get into my car and head toward the school.
