23
“Is this the place, Serena?” Thomas asked, dropping her outside a coffee shop near her parents’ house. Josh and her had been meeting here for years, it being close enough not to trigger her mother’s separation anxiety too much. It almost felt like coming home as she took in the familiar sight. It was probably the closest thing to coming home she was going to have for a long time.
“Yeah. This is it. Thanks, Thomas. For everything. You’re a truly nice person. Take good care of him, okay?”
Thomas gruffly agreed. If he was surprised at her request, he didn't show any sign of it. She hopped out of the car and gave him a tiny wave as he pulled the car back into traffic.
Josh was already there, waiting at their favorite rickety table outside. One of the few freedoms she'd always enjoyed wa
