Page 109 of If Love Had A Manual

I nod, stomach twisting. “She wasn’t at my apartment, and my grandpa was always my safe place when things got too intense at home. If she needed to get away, this is where she would go.”

Wes’s gaze lingers on my face, his brows drawn. “Is your dad the same with her as he was with you?”

A humorless laugh escapes me. “No, not really. He’s always been gentler with them…with my younger siblings, especially Tess. I’m sure it’s still not easy with her being the only one at home now. She’s a little rebellious.” My voice tightens. “Maybe it’s getting to her. Losing Mom, then me leaving last year,” I trail off, blinking hard against the sting behind my eyes.

Don’t cry, Lena. Not now.

Wes notices. Of course he does.

He presses his mouth into a firm line, then hooks a finger under my chin, turning my head so I have to look at him. His touch is grounding and chases away the worst of my anxieties. But it’s also confusing because part of me recalls the taste of his lips last night, how his hands roamed my body, and now he’s giving me comfort that I never quite got from anyone else.

“She doesn’t remember Mom,” I murmur, clearing the lump in my throat. “Tess was just a baby when she died. When I left, it felt like I abandoned her, too. I should’ve stayed.”

“Lena,” Wes says quietly, shaking his head. “From what I’ve heard, you took care of everyone for a long time. It’s okay to put yourself first.”

I want to believe him, but the weight of old resentments and regrets churns in my gut.

Guilt is a stubborn bastard.

“Look,” I say, forcing a breath, “can you come inwith me? I know it’s my thing, but I’d like you there.”

He doesn’t hesitate. “Rosie’s still awake anyway.”

I ignore everything and everyone on the way in. Keeping my head down, I head straight for Grandpa’s room with Wes and Rosie at my side.

My stomach unclenches when I push open the door. Grandpa is perched on his bed with his newspaper sprawled around him.

On the edge of the bed, looking utterly untroubled, is my little sister. No tearstains, no sign she’s been hysterical or upset.My relief quickly mingles with frustration.

Grandpa’s grin broadens as soon as he sees me. “Told you she’d be here,” he tells Tess with a knowing wink. “Took you long enough, kid.”

Tess breaks into a bright smile that I know is as much defiance as it is happiness to see me. She jumps up, arms wide, and I can’t resist rushing forward to pull her into a hug. For a second, everything’s okay. She’s safe, she’s here. But then I rememberwhyshe’s here, and anger flares.

“Are you kidding me?” I pull back, giving her a pointed look. “You ran away because Dad wouldn’t let you stay at Sophie’s?”

She stiffens, crossing her arms with an eye roll. “It’s stupid when you say it like that.”

“Itisstupid, Tess. You had me worried sick. I thought—” My voice wobbles, but I catch it. “I thought something bad happened.”

Her mouth twists. “Somethingdidhappen. He’s a controlling jerk who never lets me do anything.”

“You’re fourteen,” I snap, exasperated. “You can’t just do whatever you want.”

My anger merges with deep-seated guilt. I was heronce—the rebellious teen who wanted out.

Before I can say more, Grandpa interjects with his usual smirk. “Hey now, don’t go too hard on her.”

I turn my glare on him, pointing my finger. “You knew she was here, and you didn’t think to tell me?”

He winks, as if this is all very amusing. “I had faith you’d figure it out.”

“Grandpa,” I start, but Rosie squeals just then, wriggling against Wes’s chest.

“My best friend returns,” he declares, opening his arms. Wes carefully transfers her over. He doesn’t have much of a choice. She’s practically jumping out of his arms.

The second Rosie settles in Grandpa’s hold, she babbles something. We all freeze when we hear it.

“P-P-Po-Pop.”

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