Chapter 15: The Room You Leave Behind
Luca shoved his hands in his pockets as he reached the front door. No key fumbling, no hesitation. He pushed it open like it still belonged to him.
The place was quiet, but not cold. Dim light from the kitchen spilled into the hallway, and the faint scent of rosemary and old wood clung to the air.
He spotted the wine on the counter, half-open. Chips in a bowl, still crisp. No note. No warning.
He didn’t ask.
He kicked off his shoes, dropped his bag by the stool, and reached straight for the chips, munching like it was his personal welcome gift.
He reached for another chip, barely chewing, when a shadow shifted near the hallway. He froze, hand halfway to the wine glass.
A voice cut through the silence.
"Well, that didn’t take long."
Luca turned, startled. "Mr. Jeff?"
The man stood near the archway, sleeves rolled, tablet in hand, looking mildly amused.
Luca blinked. "Did my dad kick me out just to replace me with you? Don’t tell me you live here now."