#Chapter 33: A Solo Date with Julian

Julian showed up with the nanny early the next morning. Fortunately I was an early riser and had just finished changing into my day clothes. He held out a spare cup of coffee. “You ready? We have to be quick to get out of here before anyone notices.” I cast him a doubtful look. “’Before anyone notices?’” His smirk came too easily, like he always had one ready. “Did you want the cameras to follow us?” I didn’t, but, “Isn’t that just part of the game?” “No wonder you always got along so well with Nicholas. He sticks to the rules, too. Don’t you find that boring? Where’s your sense of adventure?” He watched me with a piercing gaze, almost like he could see straight into me, down into the secret parts I tried to hide. “Piper, when was the last time you let yourself live a little? I mean, really cut loose and let go?” I didn’t have an answer. It certainly had not been in the past three years where breaking the rules had meant potential homelessness or sickness. I hadn’t had