WYNTER
I stretch out, yawning as morning light slips through the blinds. For a second, the dread isn’t there—the heavy knot that’s been living in my chest for months.
But then I remember Ray’s face from last night. The way his expression fell after my comment. The way something in him just . . . shut down.
And the feeling comes rushing back.
Boundaries. That’s what my therapist would call it. Clear lines so we both know where we stand. Only, a small part of me hates that we’re not standing together. That we’re so far apart even the heavens feel closer. And it would be easy to give in. To fall into his arms. To give him the family he so desperately wants.
But I’d lose myself.Again.And I’ve only just started finding that version of me.
I sigh, throwing back the covers and heading for the shower. Whatever mood Ray’s in today, I can’t avoid him forever.
Half an hour later, I slow as I near the kitchen. Laughter drifts down the hallway.
I step into the doorway and pause. They’re gathered around the table. Ray at the head, Sebastian beside him, legs swinging as he laughs at something Ray’s just said. And Jessica sits opposite, smiling into her coffee.
It’s easy.Relaxed.
Ray looks up first. For a second, I brace for tension, for something left over from last night. But there’s nothing.
Just a small nod. “Morning.”
“Morning,” I echo, stepping in cautiously.
Sebastian lights up. “Wynter! We’re having pancakes again!”
“Again?” I glance at Ray.
He shrugs. “Apparently it’s all he wants to eat now.”
“That’s not true,” Sebastian protests. “I like chips too.”
Jessica laughs. “Don’t let him fool you. He just told us it’s pancakes for life now.”
I hover near the counter, unsure where to slot myself in. They look . . . complete. Like a little unit. And I feel like I’ve just walked into something already established.
The thought hits before I can stop it. This is what it would look like if Ray moved on. If he got his family. Built a life with someone who fits.
Someone who isn’t . . .me.
I swallow it down, forcing a small smile as I take a seat. “I see I’ve started a trend.”
Ray glances at me, something flickering in his eyes, but it’s gone before I can read it. “Unfortunately,” he mutters.
“Ray, I’m taking Sebastian to the park after school. You’re welcome to join us,” Jessica says, rinsing her cup.
His gaze flicks to me, then he opens the newspaper. “Maybe. I’ll check my diary.”
She turns to me. “Wynter?”
“Maybe another time—” Ray starts.
His answer for me lands like a spark to dry kindling. “I’d love to,” I cut in, smiling sweetly.
I feel his eyes on me as I reach for a pancake, tearing off small pieces just to have something to do with my hands.
“Great. Right, Seb—bag and coat. We need to go,” Jessica says, heading out after him.