Page 52 of When a Soul Cries

“Yes, it is.”

“No.” He slowly shook his head. “That’s a wall.”

My fork stopped moving. For the first time since we’d sat down, something in my chest tightened for a reason that had nothing to do with the eviction.

I didn’t like how close he’d gotten without knowing anything.

“You met me today,” I reminded him.

“I know.”

“So why the hell would I be telling you my life story?”

“I didn’t ask for your life story.”

“Good.”

Rome paused, his jaw shifting slightly as he watched me. When he spoke again, his voice was quieter. “I asked why you look like you got the whole world sitting on your shoulders.”

That shut me up.

My fingers tightened around my fork. For half a second, I considered telling him. Not everything. Just enough.

*I’m about to lose my house.*

The words almost made it to my mouth.

Then I looked at him.

A man I’d met today.

Absolutely the fuck not.

I forced a small smile. “Maybe I got bad posture.”

Rome stared at me for a second before laughing softly and shaking his head. “Aight, Sol.”

The fact that he didn’t push made something inside me relax.

My phone lit up, and I grabbed it so fast Rome’s eyes followed my hand.

Zari.

She’d sent me a picture.

Halo was curled up asleep, her little cheeks full, mouth slightly open, one hand tucked underneath her face. My entire chest softened.

“There go my baby,” I whispered.

Rome leaned slightly to the side but didn’t try to look at my phone. “She good?”

“Yeah.”

I stared at the picture a few seconds longer, but then guilt crept back in. I checked the time.

Shit.

“I gotta go.”