"Sebastian," Riley greeted politely.
Sebastian lowered his newspaper. "Let's eat."
Riley took a seat at the table. "You really didn't need to buy a crib. She's only going to use it once. It's too expensive."
Sebastian arched an eyebrow. "Didn't you promise my grandmother you'd visit often?"
Riley choked on her words. It had just been polite small talk—why was he taking it so seriously?
Since she couldn't exactly argue with that, she managed an awkward smile. "Right."
They ate their breakfast in silence.
Suddenly remembering the refunded transfer notification from last night, Riley looked up at him. "Sebastian, why didn't you accept the rent money?"
Sebastian took a slow, deliberate bite of his food. "I forgot."
"I'll transfer it again later, then."
He met her gaze. Seeing the determined look in her eyes—a clear attempt to draw a boundary between them—he frowned imperceptibly. "Alright."
After finishing their meal, they left the dining room and headed back to the city.
Mr. Finch drove this time, while Riley sat in the backseat with the baby, right next to Sebastian.
Alora woke up shortly after they hit the road. After Riley gave her a bottle, the baby licked her lips and stared up with wide, dark eyes, brimming with innocent, absolute trust.
The little girl looked energetic. Her fever didn't seem likely to return.

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