After Death, Love Unveiled

Chapter

14

Daphne and Asher hopped onto the bus together. Asher leaned in close and said under his breath. I'm not seeing you off today."

He couldn't tutor Elara for extra money anymore-he'd picked up a part-time job instead.

Jefferson was buried in debt, and for too long. Asher's earnings had gone straight into covering his father's mess. Now, he had no choice but to fend for himself. Daphne gave a slight nod. "Alright"

on

Meanwhile, Barrett had taken Elara out to get a new phone and then grabbed dinner together. When they got to the restaurant, Lysander was already there, waiting at the table.

Lysander lived in Brookfield with his uncle, Steven Clark, who just so happened to be one of Barrett's close friends. This little dinner was a thinly veiled setup-a meet-the-family type deal that Barrett had been scheming for a while now. Elara had been dead-set against it at first-she only had eyes for Asher-and that threw a wrench into Barrett's plans. But today, she'd finally agreed, and Barrett was feeling pretty pleased. His girl was growing up and, for once, seemed willing to go along with his ideas.

At the table, Barrett and Steven were in the middle of some animated conversation. Elara, sitting across from Lysander, brought up her little bet to jump up a hundred places in the rankings.

Lysander just gave her a nod-cool, unreadable-and Elara wasn't sure what to make of it. "Do you think I'm being reckless? Like, maybe I bit off more than I can chew?"

Lysander's expression softened a bit as he looked at her. "Nah, not at all."

"Really? You think I've got a shot?" She leaned in a little, sounding more eager. I've actually started getting the stuff you've been explaining to me lately."

"Don't stress," Lysander said, his tone calm but steady. "You're smarter than people give you credit for."

By "people," he meant Asher. Asher had once made some snide comment about Elara being slow, and while Lysander hadn't said anything at the time, he'd clocked it.

Elara's face lit up with a relieved smile. That's a huge weight off my shoulders! I was starting to worry I'd be nothing but dead. weight to you."

Lysander smiled back, his voice gentle. "It's no big deal. I've got your back."

smoothly until Elara noticed the room had gone

and Steven both staring at her with these

asked, "Uh, Dad? Why are you

chuckled, brushing it off. "Nothing. Carry on. He turned back to

continued his conversation with Steven, Barrett felt a surge of satisfaction. Elara

his little girl was already on the verge

Steven had some stuff to talk about, so

bit. On a whim, Elara decided to get herself some ice cream and went to

Chapter 14

came back, she sat down next to Lysander, and

wandering to the upcoming six-mile run challenge, which was

a voice suddenly

at him, completely caught off guard. "What the hell are you doing

icy glare. "I should be asking you that. What, did you come here to mess with me on purpose?" He seemed convinced that, despite

didn't say a word, just turned and walked

watched him saunter away, she couldn't help but scoff.

shook his head. "Nah, you have it. He kindly picked up her backpack as they left

longer, but bumping into Asher had

buried herself in her studies, with Lysander frequently stopping by her place to help out with

he couldn't resist throwing shade. "Elara, having second thoughts? It's still not too late to quit, you know. Don't say I

her headphones in, and tuned him

practically flew home, feeling pretty good about how

found Lysander lounging around, sipping coffee, with Cotton-who was looking plumper by the day-chilling beside

Cotton, giving the cat an affectionate squeeze, then grinned at Lysander. "What's got you here so early

her with that easy smile.

him a curious look. "Don't you have other stuff going on

the complete opposite. Every time Elara came back, she'd find Lysander just chilling, like he didn't have a care

any school activities either?" she