This is Life Pal

lished surfaces and cold efficiency, nothing that felt remotely like home. The only thing personal in the wh

he counter, exhaling

le

in the mood for whatever his

own and called someone

o

wered almost instan

ey, Nona. Jus

t lacing her tone. "That usually me

She knew h

ected. "How's ev

Quiet. Except f

second call po

led. "Spe

y. "Go on, take it.

you,

oo, da

ed calls.

," she huffed. "Do you k

gainst the counter. "Y

t back. "I texted

. You must

elf." A pause. "You

of his nose. "Why doe

s, I live with Nona. You think

d. "Of cou

pressed. "Wh

t I was stealing and got me d

Then: "Ex

heard

out a sharp laugh. "Doe

"I'm starti

en does

inks she's protec

r eyes. "Name.

"Miss Carter,

le

thoughtful tone

owned.

el mused. "Like unc

ter's a common l

ghed dramatically. "Ugh, whatever. Anyway, I

"You failed

Ha.

deten

ax

neaking snack

t sneak

ust 'accidentally

one being a pain, I was go

. "Leo? Wha

od, yes,

ned bac

ly. "He walked me

irked.

ng, Max. T

huge milestone. Wh

ut

I book a venue? N

I sw

right. Leo's an idiot if

se before she m

breaks your heart, I'll f

d. "You're s

or you,

You'll be bac

days. Wo

, bo

me abo

for a second.

"Miss you