Chapter 38

I hear Alex say, “How are you holding up?”

I can hear the surprise in Leonid’s voice when he says, “I’m all right.”

“Come on, man. I know how much you cared about her.” Alex pauses. “I’m still pissed at you for going after Sophia ”

“That’s over.”

It hurts to hear him say it, but it’s time.

Then Alex says, “If you ever want to talk—I’m here for you.”

There’s this long beat, and I’m holding my breath, hoping. Hoping that Leonid will let him in. Alex has always known how to talk to Leonid. His opinion is the only one Leonid has ever really cared about besides Rennie’s.

Gruffly Leonid says, “I’m good. But thanks.”

I let out the breath I was holding. Then I hear Alex say, “All right,” and then a few seconds later the front door opens and closes.

I step out, thinking it’s Leonid who left. Only it wasn’t.

Leonid looks up and sees me standing there. “Oh, hey,” he says, startled.

“Hey,” I say. I busy myself picking up plastic cups.

We work in silence. When we’re almost done, I hear a muffled s