Page 58 of Ripple Effect

“And Daisy,” he starts again, his voice gentle. “Don’t be embarrassed that you made the first move. I liked it.”

“You did?”

He chuckles, the sound low and soothing. “A whole lot.”

A relieved smile tugs at the corners of my lips, the first genuine one I’ve managed since this whole mess started. Despite the whiplash of emotions, despite the lingering awkwardness, a warm bubble of hope rises in my chest.

This isn’t the end of the conversation between us, not even close.

* * *

Elio’s sprawledout on my bed now, his eyes shut, the deep lines on his forehead relaxed for the first time in hours. I begged him to rest while I tidied up a few things in my room, and it didn’t take long for him to pass out completely.

It’s good for him, though. He’ll be well rested for his appointment tomorrow, and we still have the rest of the night to spend at home.

So, I leave him there, tiptoeing out of the room, letting the door click shut behind me. In the living room, Gracie’s curled up on the couch, her phone in her hand.

“How’s he doing?” she asks, gaze darting from me to the closed bedroom door.

“He’s okay, just resting,” I say, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Lord knows he needs it.”

“And you?” She sets her phone down on the table, giving me her full attention. “How are you doing after everything with Logan?”

“I’m fine now, honestly. It’s kind of weird, though. In a way, the whole thing already feels like ancient history.” She nods, her eyes softening. The two of us sit in silence for a moment before a new idea crosses my mind. “What do you think about having a dinner tonight? A proper one, with Max and LJ, too.”

“Yeah, I’d love that,” she says. “And Max called while you were in there, said he got caught up with a study group earlier. He’s sorry he missed your call.”

“Okay, I’ll just shoot him a text now.”

I pull out my phone to message him, and the plans are set in motion. Gracie and I work together in the kitchen, a true picture of domestic bliss as we prep the meal. She chops the vegetables while I marinate some chicken for fajitas.

It’s therapeutic, this semblance of normalcy. And as the sun finally sets, Max and LJ arrive, heralded by their joyous laughter and the sound of the front door slamming shut behind them.

“Hey, you two, we come bearing wine!” Max announces, brandishing some fancy-looking bottle.

“And Daisy’s nasty strawberry shit,” LJ adds, a teasing glint in her eyes.

Without missing a beat, I move closer and snatch the bottle from her hand. “Thank you very much,” I retort, grinning as I set it in the middle of our dining table. Then, my attention strays to the closed bedroom door. “I’m gonna go wake up Sleeping Beauty.”

I slip back into my room to find Elio still in the grip of sleep. And for a moment, I just look at him—at the peaceful expression on his face, at the frown lines that have finally relaxed. Hesitant, I brush the ruffled hair away from his forehead, and he stirs, eyes fluttering open.

“Fuck. I fell asleep again, didn’t I?” he murmurs, pushing himself to a seated position.

“It’s okay. I was actually hoping you would.” I brush a hand over his shoulder. “Um, but Gracie and I cooked up some dinner, and it’s ready to eat now. Max and LJ are here, too. We’d love it if you’d join us.”

He clears his throat, glancing down at his lap. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

“You’re not intruding at all,” I assure him. “But if it makes you uncomfortable, you can take a plate back to your place, and I’ll join you right after.”

“Would it make you happy if I stayed?”

“Very much so,” I say.

“Then I’ll stay.”

He offers me a small, quiet nod, and my heart clenches. I take his hand and lead him back to the living room, offering a formal introduction to the rest of my friends. Then we gather around the table, plates are passed, glasses clink, and the conversation moves right along.

Throughout the meal, Elio doesn’t say much, his quiet demeanor a contrast to the lively chatter. He’s clearly more of an introvert than I am, but we do have one other thing in common—preferring to listen.

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