Page 44
“Mom.”
“What does Mrs. B want?”
“Probably proof that I’m alive, dressed, and ready for my first day.”
I hold out my hand. “Give me your phone.”
She pulls it against her chest. “Why?”
“First day picture.”
Her eyes narrow. “I’m twenty-three.”
“Tell Mrs. B.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Delaney.”
“Hayes.”
I keep my hand out until she finally slaps the phone into it.
“I hate you.”
“No, you don’t.”
The answer comes too easily.
Her expression falters for a heartbeat before she looks away.
“Take the stupid picture already.”
I grin and open the camera. “By the windows.”
“I’m not posing.”
“Your mom trusted me with you. I take that responsibility seriously.”
More seriously than she will ever know. But it’s not her mom I’m worried about letting down.
It’s Beckett.
I lift the phone. “Say cheese fries!”
She lips me off. I take the picture.
“Perfect.”
“Delete it.”
“Already sending it.”
“Bishop.”
Her phone buzzes almost immediately.
Mom:
