↳ 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐄𝐑 ー 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘

𝐋𝐕𝐈𝐈 ー 𝐭𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬

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Upon hearing the message tone, Sierra unintentionally catches a glimpse of the notification on the screen. She chews slowly after seeing the name.

"Renée texted," she announces and slides the phone closer to him. Grayson flips the device over without bothering to look at the text. His lack of interest isn't a surprise to her but it does make her gaze linger on him.

"Morning," Hope greets. Rosa is by her side with their fingers intertwined, happy little smiles on their glowing faces.

Sierra rests her chin in her hand. "I adore you two. So much."

"Mom."

"I'm not being embarrassing. I'm simply expressing my admiration because you're both so cute together."

Grayson pours himself a freshly made smoothie, bringing his thumb to his mouth after some drips onto it. He half listens to the lighthearted conversation between the girls.

"Sorry if I scared you the other day."

Hope reaches over the island to briefly blanket her hand over his. "You didn't."

"Don't worry about it uncle G." Rosa smiles.

He merely nods. Since there's extra in the jug, he reaches into one of the cupboards for a second glass. Once his arm is halfway up he glances over his shoulder and begins to lower it, swiftly tugging his shirt down to hide the exposed skin.

Sierra sees the subtle action. She leaves her stool to amble around the island, placing a mug under the coffee machine for no real reason other than to let her hand linger on his side.

Close enough to the scar he's learning to live with all over again. Not close enough to draw suspicion should anyone notice.

His head is inclined. The hand that isn't clutching the glass brushes over hers.

"Mom we're heading out."

"I'm taking her to breakfast," Rosa tells.

"Have fun my loves. Be careful." Sierra tilts her head, following them with her sparkling gaze until they're out of sight. "You okay, bubs?"

"Mmhmm."

○ ○ ○

Hope exits the store with a defeated huff. "How hard is it to find something nice around here?"

"The man you're buying for is impossible."

"I just wanted to give him something with meaning. Take his mind off everything."

"We'll keep looking. I'm not giving up, neither are you."

"We've looked in like ten stores."

"And we'll search ten more. A hundred more if we have to."

"Thank you." Hope laces their fingers together. "You were right, my uncle is not an easy man to buy for."

"Hey, he wears that bracelet you got him everyday. I haven't seen him without it on. He's got two wrists."

"Another bracelet for my suffering uncle."