Chapter 101

Love me!

Fall in love with me. Be mine!

Of course, she didn’t say that. She wouldn’t, ever. But a girl could hope, right? Could she even tell him that? No. Obviously. Allena quickly pulled her hand from his. They shouldn’t be holding hands. That was against the rules. “I want you to stop asking me what you can do,” she replied. “There’s nothing to do, Justin. I’m leaving, so you’ll just have to get used to the idea.”

But she knew he wouldn’t. She knew he would keep asking, keep pushing, and keep trying to work out a way to get her to change her mind. As calm and reserved as he was, she knew he could be stubborn and hardheaded when he wanted to get his own way.

He pushed back his chair and got to his feet. “This isn’t like you, Allena.”

“I know you might be astounded that I’ve suddenly developed a sense of initiative,” she said, standing. “But this is me, Justin. And frankly, I’m surprised a smart guy like you didn’t see this coming. Despite how much I care about the kids, you really c