Julian had expected Naomi to come find him, the way she always used to.
Back when he sulked, she'd always been the one to coax him out of it even on the countless occasions he'd been the one in the wrong to begin with.
He waited. And waited. Naomi never showed. She was too busy wiping the sweat off Lily's face after a long afternoon of practice.
Julian stood there, stunned, something hollow settling in his chest as he watched from a distance. Eventually he pressed his lips together.
Whatever. She's just some country girl. I don't care about her.
That evening, Naomi brought Lily home and made her a proper dinner.
Right as they sat down, Marcus video-called. Naomi picked up.
Lily leaned over, curious. "Mom, who's this uncle?"
Naomi realized, with a small jolt, that she'd never actual
