swiftly go the days

Jools didn't know where to start. He knew it had been more than awhile since he'd had a chance to sit down and talk with Val. Sure, they text daily to keep in touch, but he really needed to see her.

"I feel like..I'm the worst friend ever." He expected to wipe away her tears or at least touch fingers, but she said she was fine. He thought she'd change.

"I don't mean that in a bad way," he clarified after a moment when she brought him a cold brew still on tab at the bakery in the late afternoon. "I mean, you're really looking..great." How could he say this without her thinking he was creepy.

In his heart, he knew if he could have ever been a girl, he would want to be just like Valentina, but he called her V now. No need to elaborate on names. There was news to catch up on. Where he worked at the University, his life with Evan.

"I remember I used to think about how I'd get deported, but it hasn't happened yet." He imagined crossing his fingers, but he only thought about it. He didn't. He felt courage now. "I..I think we are both more confident now."

She looked at him blankly.

"You know, how you were with Ollie." He shot her a look that she needed to remember what a kid she used to be, lovesick over her first love. "He wasn't good enough for you. I knew that." He shook his head, knowing he's said too much. "You look really happy with Robby."

Of course, he hadn't met him.

"Look, one day soon, you two have to have dinner with me and Evan." He found himself holding both her hands. Truly, she was family to him. She was a good listener and he still liked doing nothing with her, but she could keep him busy with those sock creatures she made.

Naturally, she showed him the stack of granny squares she was making. She asked if he'd like to stay awhile and crochet with her.

"Sure," Jools smiled. He really needed to make time to hang out with V. After all, she was the little sister he never had.