Livia’s POV
My heart freezes inside my chest. For an entire moment, I can’t move. I just stand there like an i***t, looking at Ford.
Everything inside me is squeezing in longing.
It must’ve been just after his shift, because he’s still dressed in his scrubs under his jacket. His eyes are a little bloodshot, like he hasn’t been sleeping. He doesn’t have a cart of food, just one item in his hand. Wine.
Maybe he has a special date with Madeline.
All the longing in my heart hardens into resentment.
I don’t answer his question. I don’t think I can. Hell, I’m not even capable of speaking.
But he’s staring at me, his expression expectant.
Thankfully, Mom sweeps in and nods politely at Ford. “You must be the counselor that visited our house. I’m Eva, Livia’s mom.”
Ford smiles gently an
