Page 14 of Love Unwritten

His right brow arches suspiciously. “No, but lately you’re always looking for every excuse not to.”

The hole in my chest widens. “Sorry. Things have been…tough.”

Lately, I’ve found it easier to stay away from my family than answer their questions about my relationship with Nico. I know they come from a good place, and after spending the first decade of my life wishing for a family like them, I should be grateful for their love and attention, but it can be stifling at times.

Especially when it makes me feel like I’m not only failing Nico, but them too.

“What’s wrong?” Julian asks.

I take a deep breath and face my fear. “Nico and I are having problems.”

His eyes widen. “Really?”

I sigh. “Yes.”

“Is that why you’ve been avoiding Sundays at the Muñoz house?”

“Yup.” The Muñoz and Lopez families have spent every Sunday together ever since we were all kids, but I’ve done my best to avoid the family ritual lately by scheduling activities and playdates with Nico’s friends.

“What’s going on?” Julian asks.

“Nico’s been pulling away from me and acting strange, and I can’t figure out why.”

He strokes his chin. “When did all this start?”

“Right around the beginning of the new year.”

“So, around the same time his mother canceled her visit to town?”

I nod. “That and a few other things.” Like Nico insisting Ellie join us for our summer vacation while I thoroughly voiced my feelings against it.

“Have you asked him what’s wrong?”

“Of course I have.”

“And?”

“He shuts down and never wants to talk about it.”

“Sounds like his father.”

I glare.

He stares off into the distance while sipping his beer. “Have you thought about asking Ellie about it?”

“No.” The word comes out harsher than intended.

“Are you saying that no, you haven’t thought about it, or no, you’d rather be a stubborn ass and avoid asking for help at all costs?”

My molars smash together.

Julian’s head tilts. “So the latter, then. I thought as much.”

I hate how easily Julian reads me. After knowing him for most of my life, I’m used to it, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying.

“I doubt she can help.” If anything, talking to her would make me feel like an even bigger failure.

He leans forward on his elbows. “Don’t tell me you’re too proud to ask her.”