Chapter 49

Cecilia​ ​ Harper had just returned with groceries when her phone rang.​ She shifted the bags to one arm and answered with a quick, distracted “Hello?”​ After a short conversation, she turned to me, her eyebrows pulled together in concern.​ "My mom pulled her back. I need to go help her," she said, already setting the grocery bags on the counter .​ I waved her off from my spot on the couch.​ “It's okay, really,” I said with a small smile.​ "I'll be fine. I'll just order takeout. Go take care of your mom."​ She hesitated, her eyes scanning me like she wasn't quite convinced.​ "Text me if you so much as sneeze, okay?" she insisted, half in her shoes, bag dangling off her arm like she couldn't decide between me and her mom. "I will," I nodded.​ But the moment the door clicked shut behind her, the apartment felt just a little too quiet.​ I could tell she was reluctant to leave me alone, but what could I do? Her mom needed her more than I did. After all, I was a grown woman who could handle