Chapter 40

"I..." Hector opened his mouth, but the words just wouldn't come out. He'd wanted to reconnect, maybe even be friends again-but now he wasn't sure what the point was. He couldn't push it, not with everything Ariella had been through. Just showing up like this today probably already crossed a line. If his dad found out, there'd be hell to pay. And if Mr. and Mrs. Rios knew? They'd probably wish he'd just disappeared for good. That night, after the car accident, still flashed in his mind-him on his knees, slapping himself, begging for forgiveness. It wasn't just her nightmare; it left a mark on him too. Ariella found him... oddly familiar, almost like he was going out of his way to talk to her. Reminded her of those awkward boys in school trying to impress her. But he looked too grown-up for that kind of silliness. She was probably just overthinking. Once she'd said goodbye, she headed upstairs to the section with the books she'd come for. The bookstore had a little café inside, and afte