I nod.
“Then you should go to Jude.”
He looks at me again.
“Come with me.”
I don’t hesitate.
I glance back at Mason, catching his eye. Dex notices.
“Ethan,” he calls, his voice carrying just enough.
Ethan looks up instantly, reading the situation without a single word needing to be explained.
“Can you take Mason back to the apartment?” Dex asks.
Ethan’s expression softens as he walks over and pulls Dex into a quick, tight hug.
“I’m so sorry, man.”
Dex nods once.
He hands Ethan the keys, then turns to Mason.
“You good on your own for a bit?”
Mason nods.
“Yeah. Don’t worry about me.”
I step closer, squeezing his hand briefly.
He squeezes back.
I turn to Lily and Josh.
“I’m so sorry,” I say softly. “And thank you… for everything.”
Lily pulls me into another hug, tighter this time.
“You come here anytime, you hear me?” she says into my hair. “You’re family now.”
My throat tightens.
Josh wraps me in a hug next, firm and steady.
“Keep an eye on those boys tonight,” he murmurs.
“I will.”
He exhales slowly, shaking his head.
“Twenty-five… too damn young.”
Lily nods, tears slipping down her cheeks.
“And his poor wife…” she whispers. “His mama…”
