Page 186 of Lucky Mother Pucker

Anna: I’m so sorry. I had no idea she was going through that…but good on Leo for defending his sister.

Me: She’s safe now. She’s with her family.

Anna: If there’s anything she needs, let us know.

Poppy: Yeah, we’re here to support her in whatever way we can.

Briar: Absolutely. Don’t hesitate to ask.

Me: Thanks, you guys. I’ll let her know.

I head back into the restaurant, still thinking about those awful comments people are posting online about Leo. I want to reply to all of them and tell them off, but I stop myself. There’s no way to defend him without exposing Zoey’s abuse to a bunch of strangers, and I know she wouldn’t want that.

I head back over to Zoey, who’s still with her mom. When I see that they’re both crying, I tear up too. Zoey probably just told her what happened.

I walk away to give them a moment alone, then try to find a quiet corner of the restaurant to call Leo. I need to find him. I need to make sure he’s okay.

I’m about to dial him when my phone rings. It’s Leo.

My hands are shaking so hard, I almost drop the phone when I answer.

“Leo, where are you? Are you okay?”

“I’m okay.”

I let out a breath of sheer relief when I hear his voice.

He’s quiet for a long moment. I lean against the wall and don’t say anything. After what he’s been through, I don’t want to push him.

“Luce, something happened.” He trails off, his voice strained. “I need to see you, but…”

My heart hammers in my chest. Need pulses through me.

He needs to feel safe. He needs to know I’m here for him, no matter what.

These past few months, Leo has been my rock. Even when he barely knew me, he helped me. He was the best friend I could ask for, supporting me through so much. He defended me when no one else would. When it felt like I was alone in the world, he stepped up. He cared.

And now I’m going to do the same for him.

“Leo, listen to me. It’s okay. I’m here for you. Always. No matter what.”

He’s quiet for a long second. “You mean that?”

“Of course I mean that,” I say. “Where are you?”

“I’m headed home. Will you meet me there?”

“I’m on my way.”

Chapter 66

Leo

When I walk through the front door and see Lucy jump up and run over to me, something inside of me settles.

That panicked, frenzied energy that’s been coursing through me for the past hour starts to fade away.

My nervous system calms. My heartbeat slows down. I feel like I can breathe again.