Page 64 of Ripple Effect

So, by the time Friday hits, all I can think about is spending the weekend together, poorly pretending that we’re nothing more than friends.

Our classes are finally finished for the week, and as we head back to the apartment, Elio turns to me once again from the driver’s side. “So, I got a call this morning from my brother,” he says, rubbing at the back of his neck. “He and Harper asked me to babysit June tomorrow night.”

My brow lifts. “For Halloween? That’ll be so much fun.”

“Yeah, Taylor’s swamped with work. She’s in charge of some big project at Raytheon, and my little sister Georgie has this huge sleepover thing at our parents’ place,” he explains, his fingers drumming against his thigh. “But there’s a catch. They’re kinda hesitant, given my ... you know, with all my health shit going on lately.”

I tilt my head, watching him closely. “So?”

He lets out a soft sigh, raking a hand through his hair. “So, they’re wondering if you’d maybe come along. Walk the neighborhood with us, you know? Just in case.”

He maintains his composure, but I can tell that this is hard for him—asking for help from me in light of the circumstances. From what I’ve gathered over the last month, Elio is fiercely independent, and he’d rather not bother me—oranyone—unless he absolutely needed to.

The fact that he’s considering it now, yet again, shows just how much he cares for his niece. For his family, in general.

“Of course I’ll come.” I smile warmly. “Like I said, it sounds like fun. Besides, it’s been ages since I went trick-or-treating.”

His features light up. “Yeah?”

“Why not?” I shrug, stomach fluttering. “Besides, I bet they live in a really swanky neighborhood, don’t they? It should be a good haul for June.”

“They live about an hour or so from here. Just a little under halfway to the Bobcats home stadium.” He gives me a soft, placating chuckle. “And yes, it’s pretty upscale. According to my brother, kids walk out with bags heavier than they can carry.”

“Then it’s settled. But I do expect my fair share of the candy.”

“You’re gonna have to take that up with my girl Juney,” he teases, his gaze softening with gratitude. “But thank you, Daze. Seriously. I owe you more than my life at this point.”

I wave him off, though the warmth in my chest spreads further. “It’s nothing, really. But I do have to warn you, if anyone’s dressed as a clown, I’m running the other way. No holds barred.”

“Duly noted,” he says. “We’ll protect June from the witches and goblins together. But I’m solidly on my own with the clowns.”

We share a smile as he turns the wheel, rounding the last corner before his apartment complex. He flips his turn signal, and we pull back into the familiar parking stall. And there it is, our home sweet home, if only for a little while longer.

25

ELIO

It’s been a long,rough week adjusting to my new medications.

I’ve been even more tired than usual, light-headed, and a little bit queasy. And while I know it’s nothing I can’t handle in the long run, it’s still been frustrating and exhausting to navigate. So, now that we’ve hit Friday night, I’m ready to sit back and unwind.

Daisy and I are both settled onto the couch, spicy popcorn bowl perched between us, and we’re trying something new tonight. Much to Bentley’s displeasure, we’ve swapped the nature docs for some true crime.

“Sooo, I was wondering . . .” Daisy starts, kicking her feet onto the coffee table in front of us. “What are we doing for costumes tomorrow?”

“I have no plans to dress up.”

“It’s Halloween! We have to. It’s practically a law or something.” She pauses and then, with a soft giggle, asks, “What’s June going to be?”

“I have no idea,” I say with a shrug.

She feigns desperation, holding her hands together in a faux prayer. “Please, for the love of candy corn, text Luca and find out. We have to match her. It’ll be so cute!”

I chuckle, the idea amusing me more than I’d like to admit. But as she rambles on about our potential trip to the Spirit store in the morning, my demeanor changes. I’ve barely put a dent in my work this week as it is, and now we’re planning on spending a full night away.

“Listen, Daze,” I begin hesitantly, avoiding her gaze. “I actually need a little time tomorrow morning. Just, uh, time to myself to get some things done.”

She tilts her head. “Oh, right. For ... work?”

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