Ellie was about to head upstairs when Mrs. Lila called after her.
“Ellie, why don't you come and watch a movie with all of us?”
Ellie stopped and turned around.
She glanced toward the living room, where Eddie and his mom were already getting comfortable.
For a moment, she wanted to refuse.
She didn't feel like sitting anywhere near Eddie after everything she'd overheard.
But Mrs. Lila had been nothing but kind to her, especially since her mother's death. She didn't want to hurt her feelings.
“Okay, ma'am,” Ellie replied respectfully.
Mrs. Lila smiled. “Good. Come sit with us.”
Ellie quietly joined them.
She deliberately chose a spot a little farther away from Eddie.
Eddie noticed.
He didn't say anything, but his eyes followed her as she sat down.
The movie began, filling the r
