When Family Became a Place I Couldn’t Return To novel Chapter 126

Whatever was going on with Brody, it didn’t matter to her anymore. She shouldn’t dwell on it. She couldn’t. Nelly grabbed her phone, hoping to scroll mindlessly until she felt sleepy. That’s when she noticed a message from Jonah.

“Are you asleep?”

He had sent it ten minutes ago. Nelly hesitated, then replied with a simple “No” and a little sleepy emoji. Her message had barely gone through before her phone started ringing. It was Jonah.

She answered right away. “Hey, Jonah…”

“Having trouble sleeping?”

His voice had this deep, magnetic quality, even softer and warmer than usual in the quiet of the night. Just hearing him made Nelly’s heart melt a little.

“Yeah… I can’t really fall asleep.”

“Why not?”

“It’s nothing. Just… too much on my mind these days.”

Jonah didn’t say anything for a few seconds. The silence stretched between them. Nelly didn’t want to sound negative, so she changed the subject quickly. “So, did you need something?”

“I can’t sleep either. I thought maybe we could talk for a bit.”

His voice was so gentle. Every time they talked, Nelly felt herself relax. She didn’t want to say no to him.

“Sure. Let’s chat.”

Jonah gave a quiet hum, but then fell silent again. The conversation stalled a little, and Nelly could sense he was nervous. Maybe he wasn’t used to talking to people like this. She decided to break the ice and asked about some of his likes and dislikes.

Her first question was about his favorite color. She remembered the tie she wanted to give him but lost to Brody. If she bought another one, it might as well be a color Jonah liked.

He thought for a moment. “I don’t really have a favorite color.”

“Oh, really? Then what color do you usually wear?” she asked.

“Black,” he answered honestly. Then, as if realizing something, he added, “But I’d like any color you pick.”

Nelly paused, her cheeks suddenly burning. It was silly, but even over the phone she felt like he could see right through her.

Jonah didn’t push further. Instead, he asked, “Are you free tomorrow night?”

“Tomorrow night?” Nelly considered her schedule. She’d be done with work and didn’t have any other plans. “Yeah, I think so.”

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