Rebirth of the Broken Luna A Second Chance at Luna's Heart novel Chapter 74

Chapter 74

These look way better than the ones we were going to make,” Ollie announced, climbing into his booster seat.

“I bet they taste better too,” I agreed, helping Riley get settled at the table.

As we ate, Ollie told us about his excitement about starting school tomorrow, bouncing in his seat as he talked about all the things he was looking forward to.

“Riley, what was your old school like?” Lumina asked kindly. “Did you have a favorite subject?”

Riley looked up from his pancakes, fork halfway to his mouth, and simply stared at her. Not like he hadn’t heard the question, but like he didn’t know how to answer it.

“Riley?” I prompted gently.

“I…” he started, then stopped. His grip on his fork tightened, and I saw his throat work as he swallowed hard. “I don’t remember.”

Before any of us could respond to that strange answer that Riley gave us, the front door opened without me hearing a knock first. Sophia’s voice was loud enough as it carried through the entire house.

“Riley? Where are you, sweetie?”

Riley’s reaction was immediate. He dropped his fork, got down from his chair, and ran toward the sound of his mother’s voice. Not with excitement, exactly, but with the urgency of someone being called.

“Good morning, Sophia,” I said as she APRON AR

appeared in the kitchen doorway, Riley already at her side.

She looked well dressed as always, dressed in designer jeans and a silk blouse that probably cost more than most people’s weekly salary.

“I hope he wasn’t too much trouble,” she said, her hand settling on Riley’s shoulder in what looked like a possessive gesture.

“Not at all. The boys had a great time.”

“Did you enjoy your sleepover, baby?” she asked Riley, her voice taking on a sweeter tone.

“Yes, mama,” Riley replied quietly.

“What happened to your clothes? Why are you wearing a onesie?”

I could hear the anger creeping into her voice, and apparently so could Riley, because he seemed to shrink into himself.

“There was a little flour explosion during an attempted breakfast surprise, I explain

quickly. “Ollie lent him some clean clothes. No harm done.”

I see.” Sophia’s smile tightened as she nodded her head and said turning to face us. “Well, we should get home so Riley can get ready for his big first day of school tomorrow.”

‘You could stay for breakfast,” Lumina offered politely, although her face looked like she wanted to get rid of Sophia. “There are plenty of pancakes.”

“That’s very kind, but we really should go.”

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I stood up, reaching for my keys as I added ‘I can drive you both home if you’d like.”

“No, thank you. I have my car.” Sophia’s tone was final as she turned to face Riley and gestured towards us.”Come along, Riley. Say goodbye to your hosts.”

“Thank you for having me,” Riley said formally, bowing his head silently.

“You’re welcome anytime,” Lumina replied warmly. “Maybe we can plan another sleepover soon.”

Sophia’s expression changed at that suggestion, but she kept her smile in place. “We’ll see. Come on, sweetheart.”

I watched as they left, noting how Riley walked behind his mother, his posture shrunken in a way that wasn’t there during Sophia’s absence.

“We’ll see you at school tomorrow, Riley!” Ollie called out cheerfully.

As soon as the door closed behind them, Ollie’s entire expression changed. His bright smile faded, and he slumped in his chair with a frown.

“What’s wrong, buddy?” Lumina asked, settling back at the table.

“Nothing,” Ollie muttered, but I caught him saying something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like “I don’t like her.”

“What did you say?” I asked.

‘Nothing, Daddy. I didn’t say anything.”

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