He reached out and took my hand. Gently. Giving me every chance to pull away.
I didn't.
Mom came back from Chicago with a gift for me. A silk scarf from a boutique she loved.
"I missed you both so much," she said, hugging me tight.
Over her shoulder, Marcus watched. His face unreadable.
That was three months ago.
I moved out last week. New apartment, new job, new life. I told Mom I needed independence. She understood.
Marcus helped me move boxes. When Mom wasn't looking, he slipped a note into my hand.