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“Holy shit! I mean, shoot.” Pippa covered her mouth.
Aspen giggled. “I never got to thank you for my tree house. It’s amazing, just like we talked about.”
“You’re welcome . . . Has David been bringing you the Selfie comics?” Pippa motioned to the young man intently focused on his sketchpad.
“Yeah, all but the latest one.”
“I actually kept it aside for you. I’ll go grab it and be right back.” Pippa walked away, taking Lady with her. She retrieved the copy of the comic from her apartment and walked quickly back to the diner.
“Here you go.” She handed the comic to Aspen.
Aspen took the book and set it on the table behind her before turning back to Pippa, her blue eyes watery. “Did my dad do something?”
“Why do you think that?”
“Because he’s been so grumpy, and every time I ask to invite you over or come here he gets this really sad look and then he gets angry,” Aspen explained.
Pippa sighed and pulled her into a hug, fighting her own tears. “I promise that no matter what, I’ll always be here for you, okay? No matter how much time passes. I love you so much.”
Aspen sniffed and squeezed her tighter as she nodded. “I love you too.”
“I better get going.” Wouldn’t want to run into Mason like this. I’m too vulnerable and raw.
“Bye, Pippa.”
“See you later.” Hopefully. She winked and forced a smile that didn’t betray the violent way her heart twisted as she walked away from the young girl she’d come to care about so much.
Her fries and Lady’s burger were sitting on the counter. She wasn’t hungry anymore. Pippa motioned to Brynn. “Can I get this wrapped up to go? I’m sorry.”
Brynn took the food back without a word and produced a to-go bag and cup with her meal.
“Thank you.” She grabbed Lady’s leash, not because the dog would stray, but because Pippa needed something to tether her before the grief swallowed her up.
She walked outside. The first drops of rain fell, melding with the tears that streamed down her cheeks. She didn’t bother swiping them away. Like the rain, they seemed endless. How was she supposed to go on with life without the other half of her heart?
That’s what I get for trusting a man again. When would she learn?
