Broken Hearts (Light in the Dark 5)

“Owen.”

Owen lifts a steely jaw. “No, Dad. I’m staying.”

Harry hates being defied and anger flashes in his eyes, his top lip snarling, but he says no more, putting a hand on Claudia’s waist and guiding her away. She glances back over her shoulder, and our gazes collide, she stares at me with anger and then her eyes move to Jace and she shakes her head in disapproval before turning around.

Owen clears his throat. “Should we go somewhere … less formal?”

Jimmy breathes out a sigh of relief. “That’d be great.”

“Can we have pizza?” Greyson pipes in, lifting his hand in the air like he’s in school and needs to be called on.

“Sure, bud.” Greyson smiles at him and my heart lurches because they look so much alike. I don’t often get to see Owen and Greyson together. Usually when Owen visits him I let him have time alone with him—that’s what I get since I can see him more often.

We leave and end up at a place a couple blocks away.

Before heading in I switch out my heels for a pair of black Converse I had left in the back of Jace’s truck. He laughs, because they definitely don’t go with my dress, but I am not wearing those heels if I don’t have to.

Dinner goes smoothly with lots of smiles and laughs. I don’t think any of us misses Harry and Claudia, but especially Harry.

Ain’t nobody got time for judgmental assholes.

The meal ends and we each take care of our own bills.

I hug Greyson goodbye, inhaling his scent until the next time, and then Jace hugs him.

The two have grown close, and I’ve loved watching their relationship grow and evolve.

Jace and I head outside but we don’t get far before there’s a shout behind us.

I turn and find Owen jogging after us. “Did I leave something?” I ask, confused as to why he’s chasing us down.

He shakes his head, dark hair falling into his eyes. He stops in front of us and pushes it out of his eyes.

“No, no,” he adds. “I didn’t get a chance to say goodbye. So, bye.” He rocks back on his heels awkwardly.

My brows knit together, confused by his strange behavior.

“Um … bye.”

He moves in for a hug, and I let him, though my grip is limp while he hugs me like I’m a buoy holding him up.

He lets go, looking me up and down from head to toe before sighing softly. “I’ll see you soon.”

He turns and heads back to the restaurant.

I shake my head, unable to wrap my head around his behavior.

Jace is silent until we get into the truck and he starts it.

He glances at me, a serious look on his face. “I told you he’s still in love with you.”

I pause, wanting to protest, but I can’t because … because I think he’s right.

Jace

I wake up to the smell of cake.

Why the fuck am I waking up to the smell of cake?