CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY ONE – A LOT ON HER PLATE

Nancy reached across the counter and grabbed Rebecca's hands. "Becca, listen to me. You've been moping around for weeks, pretending everything's fine. If Luca's reaching out, don't you think you should at least see what he has to say?" Rebecca hesitated, torn between her curiosity and her fear of what the messages might contain. "I... I don't know, Nancy. What if he's just saying goodbye for good?" "Then at least you'll know," Nancy said gently. "And hey, if it's bad news, we'll just add more alcohol to the party punch." Rebecca couldn't help but laugh. "You're terrible." "I'm practical," Nancy countered with a grin. "Now, are you going to read those messages, or do I have to do it for you?" Taking a deep breath, Rebecca picked up her phone. Her hands shook slightly as she opened the first message. "Rebecca, I hope this message finds you well. I'm sorry for the silence. Things have been... complicated. Can we talk?" The second message read: "I miss you." Rebecca stared at the s