“There’s a lot I can’t tell you, Jocelyn. I wish I could, but it’s safer if you don’t ask quite so many questions.”
Her eyes flinch as she watches me head down the hallway.
I hope I didn’t bring more tears to her eyes, but I must separate my work from personal life. It’s the only way to survive.
“Let’s go,” I say to Francesco and hit the down button for the elevator.
“Rough day?” he asks as the elevator dings.
The double doors open. Cora’s parents step out onto the floor.
I swallow the bile rising in my throat and choke back the sob that wants to form.
Bury the pain.
Swallow the emotions.
It’s a mantra I silently chant in my head.
I don’t know how long it will work as I step into the elevator before it all explodes and brings me to my knees.
Right now, I’m numb.
Everything inside of me aches. I want nothing more than to go home.
But Aurielo’s place isn’t home. There’s no warmth and comfort in the unfamiliar.
It’s torture.