Dani lowered her forehead to the table. I continued.
“We did not want Lola involved in a lie.”
“She already believes you’re Dani’s girlfriend.”
“Correct.”
“She has watched the launch kiss eleven times.”
Dani lifted her head.
“Why does she have access to that?”
“She has cousins.”
“Block the cousins.”
“Daniela.”
The use of Dani’s full name produced an immediate change in her posture. Tessa noticed. So did I.
“We were going to explain the competition as a form of acting,” I said.
“That might work,” Gloria replied. “She understands theater.”
“Does she understand kissing for theater?”
“She watchedFrozentwice a day for a year. Her standards for romance are complicated.”
Dani pressed two fingers to her temple.
“We should tell her together,” I said.
“Agreed. Not today, though.”
“Why?”
“Soccer tournament. The morning games were delayed because of rain, and her father is keeping her tonight. Dinner needs to move to next Sunday.”
Relief passed across Dani’s face. I disliked that I noticed.
“That works,” she said quickly.
Gloria laughed again.
“You have one week to decide how honest you’re capable of being.”
“Threatening,” Dani said.
“Experience.”
Before ending the call, Gloria asked to speak to me alone. Dani objected. Gloria ignored her. I took the phone off speakerand walked toward the living room. Dani watched me with the concern of someone being discussed by a professional reference.
“Hello?” I said.
“Amy, I’m sorry Dani pulled you into this.”
“I agreed.”
