Page 129 of Chasing Hope

I can hear Mrs. Ellington’s laugh float through the house, the sound like a warm balm on my chest. Serena has always taken care of me, has always made sure I’ve been fed and clothed. And not only that, shesmilesat me.

My mom never smiles at me.

Turning back to Evie, I whisper, “The thought of you always makes me feel safe.”

Evie blinks up at me, her brows furrowing before she looks down to the bracelet I’m wearing on my wrist, my fingers playing with it like they always do.

She smiles up at me. “I’m glad, Valenti.”

“When will you call me Matteo?”

“When you tell me why you call me Dove.”

Sighing, I step into the house. “Guess I’ll have to get used to it forever, then.”

“Hey! Forever is a long time. I want to know before I die.”

“Don’t say that!” I whisper in horror.

“What?” She shrugs. “Everyone dies eventually.”

“Eventually, Evie. God, that’s…please don’t say that.” The idea of Evie someday not being here makes me physically sick. My stomach starts to roll, my mouth filling with saliva.

Evie skips up to me, sliding her hand in mine. The touch makes my hand all tingly and my arm burn with what feels like fire.

“Don’t worry, Valenti,” she says, squeezing my hand. “You’ll never get rid of me.”

I hope that’s true.

As Evie pulls me through the house toward the kitchen to grab snacks for the movie, I can’t help but whisper under my breath, “My pretty Dove. I want to be in your life, forever and always.”

Chapter 39

Matteo

MATTEO

I’m heading out with Evie today but I’ll work on the code tomorrow after practice

ASHFORD

fucking dying to see the progress

MATTEO

almost there I promise

ASHFORD

you’re an absolute legend

MATTEO

says you

this was all you, Ashford. I’m just bringing it to life

ASHFORD