I swallowed before opening my mouth to answer, but Collette was back in the room and demanding a snack.
“I’ll take care of the skirt,” Frankie said and reached for it.
“Nope. I got it.” I snatched it before she could grab it.
“I’m starting to feel unnecessary,” she said.
“Hardly.”
“Mommy!” Collette screamed, and Frankie and I looked at each other and then at her. There was a flash of something in Frankie’s eyes that went away as quickly as it appeared.
“What?” Frankie asked, looking out the window, her color draining.
“Mommy is calling!” Collette danced with the tablet in her hand. “Can I answer?”
“Of course, of course,” Frankie said, forcing a laugh. She didn’t meet my gaze as I studied her closely, wondering about that reaction.
As Collette answered the call, I took the skirt to the laundry room to add a spot cleaner to her uniform. It astounded me how a tiny little person could go through so much clothing.
“Honestly, what are they doing in that school?” I grumbled as I dabbed the stain.
When I walked back into the room, Collette was at the table, gesturing wildly and talking to her tablet. “It’s not my business what people think about me anyway. They are probably just unsecured and have mean parents.”
I felt my eyes widen as I looked at Frankie. She was holding back a laugh.
“Insecure,” Frankie corrected. “Where did you learn that word?”
She glanced to me as I went to the cabinet, whistling nonchalantly, to get the ingredients to start supper.
“That girl sounds like a major bi-brat,” a voice from the tablet said. “Next time, just punch her.”
Collette’s eyes went comically wide as they flicked to Frankie.
“Okay, well we should always try to talk first,” Frankie said loudly and stepped behind Collette to wave at the screen. “Hey, Joey. How is the tour going?”
“Oh. Hey, Frankie. It’s so exhausting. It’s just show after show. Fan after fan. I cannot tell you how much they need me. Blah.” She sighed loudly. Frankie’s fake smile remained plastered in place save for a small twitch.
I could almost hear Frankie’s mind screamingCollette needs you.
“Mommy’s a famous actress,” Frankie said to me over the top of the electronic.
“Is that right?” I said.
“Who was that?” Joey asked sharply.
“Scarecrow,” Collette said, chomping on a carrot as she spoke. “He says my laugh is the best.”
“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Frankie and I said at the same time.
“Who?” Joey’s voice held an instant defensive tone.
“Uh, my friend,” Frankie said quickly.
“Excuse me?” The voice sharpened, and Frankie’s shoulders went to her ears. “Who is this man? You just let a stranger into Sedar’s house? A man I don’t know near my daughter? I expected more from you Frowny Frankie.”
“I-I—” Frankie stumbled. She was doing that thing where she went completely still, features blank. I couldn’t believe I ever mistook that for indifference when it was clearly her defensive mode. I hated that bloody nickname. Had Joey labeled her that?
I stepped in front of the camera, ducking to wave at the camera.
