Kieran didn’t say much on the drive to Sasaki Mansion. Charlotte filled the silence easily, humming along to the radio, tapping her fingers on the console, occasionally glancing at him with that motherly intuition that always saw too much.
“You’re quiet today,” she said lightly.
“I’m fine,” he lied.
“Are you really? Afterall, what you and Cherry are doing with KJ is … brave. But probably for the best.” Charlotte commented.
“That’s what we hope,” Kieran murmured.
“But that doesn’t mean it’s not taking a toll on you all,” Charlotte added gently. “You can tell me how you’re really feeling.”
“Ma, I’m good.” It came out sharper than he intended.
Charlotte smiled, unconvinced but unwilling to pry. “Well, I’m excited to see Aqua again. She’s such a sweet girl.”
Kieran’s stomach twisted.
