tight. "What do you mean,

Or is it another way for you to offload your resp

ic, Sarah. I'm busy. You're

ime, my life, stung,

d to," I said, turning away an

You will take Jessica

ked it. A small, symbolic act of

ica, his voice softer, more patient than I' d heard it with me i

pt for a university project, I' d asked Mark for help. He' d wav

ad the capacity for patience, for mentors

He was devoted to her in a way he' d ne

ter, presumably to the Oakhaven site v

me. His priorities were clear. I wa

was a hollow ac

Oakhaven for myself, to see Professor Davies' proje

about it. If you still need someone to drive Jessica

mug smile touched his lips. "

a small, agreeable nod. This was a strategic decept

ever truly existed, was gone. Replaced by his ambition a

tender and aching, but I knew I coul