Jeffrey raised an eyebrow.
“Alright,” he said mildly. “You exited with determination.”
Despite herself, Irene let out a small breath that was almost a laugh.
Jeffrey glanced at her again.
“Want to tell me about it?”
Irene hesitated.
She opened her mouth slightly, then closed it again.
Jeffrey noticed immediately.
And because he was already beginning to understand Irene’s expressions, he didn’t need her to finish the thought.
He tilted his head slightly.
“Your mom doesn’t like me, does she?”
Irene stopped walking.
Jeffrey slowed as well, turning toward her.
For a moment, she looked at him as though she might try to deny it.
But after a second, she sighed.
“No,” she admitted.
Jeffrey nodded once, as if that confirmed something he had already suspected.
“Yeah,” he said quietl
