Page 173 of Feed Your Fiends

“After that, they’ll reevaluate him and see if he can come home for good.”

“Home,” I mutter. “Little Wing? Nine hundred and twelve?”

She looks confused. “Where else?”

“Where else indeed. I don’t know why I bothered to ask.”

“Elle,” she says pleadingly. “We’re a family. Family sticks together.”

“You and Jarett are a family.” I nod.

“Where else do you expect him to go? I can’t afford two flats. Him being here for his day groups means that I can work doubles, even triples, to afford the insurance.”

Insurance. At this, Gant’s private hospital?

‘I own this hospital now, Elle.’

Whatever Mum’s copay is, it’s significantly undervalued.

Then it hits me.

Gant threw her a pittance, but he could’ve given it to her for free. But instead, he made the copay high. For her. So she could kill herself at the deli and be too busy for me, even when Jarett isn’t around.

He meant it when he said he took care of everything. That he had plans for me, for us all along. I should want to be included, but I’m tired. I want to fall. Into his arms. Into his net. But he didn’t have to take this final step to ensure I’d never speak to Jaime again. I’d already decided that for myself two weeks ago when she let me walk out of her and Jarett’s home, alone, in the cold, dark dead night.

“I have something for you,” I say, digging into my purse. I ball it in my fist and extend my arm toward her. Her smile as she accepts it quickly falls as she peers at the tarnished ballet necklace. “I don’t need it any more.” I don’t need you any more. I never had you.

I reach for one of the double doors and hold it open so she can roll out of my life for good. I’m about to let the door shut behind her when I see a familiar head of dark, wavy hair at a nearby table. He’s making arts and crafts with a withered woman who’s staring despondently at the creation he’s lovingly showing her. When he turns to face me, I freeze in my tracks, but the door slips from my fingers, shutting him out.

He couldn’t be here. He should be visiting his mother...

The door swings, and Étienne slips out from the ward, his eyes wide and wild as he spots me before he gazes around the hall. He stalks off, but he glances over his shoulder, clearly wanting me to follow him. I silently follow him around a corner.

“Aren’t you supposed to be across town?” I ask when he seems at a complete loss for words. “I am across town. Technically.”

Technically, we are far from the towers. “I’ve visited Gant a few times,” he says. When? I’d only left Gant to eat with Zedd and Hale.

“Zedd told you the coast was clear?”

He nods.

“It’s Gant’s hospital. Of course, he knows your mother is here. He knows you’re here.”

“Aria doesn’t,” he says softly. “And she can’t know.”

“Not yet.”

“Why?”

“Because it’ll ruin everything.

A silent moment passes between us.

“Elle? You didn’t see me, okay?”

I swallow another secret whole. They’re rampant with this group.

“Okay.”

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