I rub my temple,trying to massage away a dull throb that has taken up residence behind my right eye. I think it’s a low-grade headache fueled by stress and lack of sleep. But it’s persistent.
It doesn’t help that the gymnasium at Fox Hollow Elementary is a cacophony of noise—shoes squeaking on hardwood, parents shouting over heads, kids bouncing off the walls.
“We got seats!” Dorian calls out, waving a hand toward the bleachers near the front of the gymnasium.
“Good,” Jude says. He’s standing next to me, acting as a buffer against a frantic mother rushing past with a poster board. “You okay, sis?”
“I’m fine. Just a headache.”
He frowns. “You want me to get you some water? Or maybe an aspirin?”
“No, I’m good.” I force a smile. “I just need to sit down.”
Ryker and Dorian head toward the rows, dodging a swarm of second-graders. Jude turns his attention to Norah, who is leaning heavily against his arm, her hand resting on her belly.
“Come on, Mama,” he murmurs, guiding her toward the chairs Dorian saved. “Let’s get you off your feet.”
I follow them, weaving through the crowd. Every step makes my headache spike a little, but seeing Maisie on the stage—standing tall in her red glasses, her hands clasped tightly in front of her—settles my stomach.
We reach our row. Norah sinks into the plastic seat with a sigh that sounds like relief. She grabs my hand as I sit next to her, her grip tight.
“You going to be okay?” she asks, her voice low enough that only I can hear. “You look pale.”
“I’m fine,” I promise, squeezing her back. “Just tired. The guys are on their way.”
“Good.” She nods, her eyes searching my face. “You need to enjoy this. Maisie has been talking about it all week.”
Jude leans over from his other side. “Are you sure you don’t want me to get you anything?
“I’m okay, Jude. I promise.”
He and Norah exchange a look—one of those long, silent married conversations that communicate volumes. It’s knowing. It’s plotting.
“Maybe we can get Simon to check you out,” Jude suggests. “He’s in the back anyway, volunteering as the school nurse for the event.”
I shake my head quickly. “No, really. I don’t want to cause a fuss. I promise I’m okay. I just need to sit still for a minute.”
Norah studies me for a beat, then nods slowly. “Okay. But you’re waiting here? You aren’t going to run backstage?”
“I’m staying right here.”
“Good.” She pats my hand. “I need to call Wren real quick, but you two talk.”
I blink, confused. “Call Wren? About what?”
“Just... girl stuff.” She waves a hand vaguely and struggles to stand up. “Don’t go anywhere.”
I watch her waddle away, her phone already to her ear. Jude turns back to me, watching the stage where the principal is adjusting a microphone.
“What is going on with you two?” I ask, keeping my voice down. “You’re acting all cryptic.”
“What?” He looks at me, his face the picture of innocence. “Nothing.”
I narrow my eyes at him. “Jude. I know that look. You’re keeping a secret.”
He laughs. “Maybe.”
The noise in the gymnasium swells, the chatter rising as the lights dim slightly.
