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“Nothing. What’s the name of your school?”
“Heritage, why? It’s not in my town. Mommy drives me there because it’s safer.”
“Safer, why?”
“I don’t know. Sometimes a biker is in the parking lot guarding.”
“Shit,” he hissed.
“But someone hasn’t been there lately.” I covered my mouth when Sadie rolled over and mumbled.
“Can you do something for me?”
“Um, I don’t know.”
“All I want you to do is not tell anyone you called me. Okay?”
“You want me to lie?” I didn’t want to talk to him anymore.
“It’s not lying if no one asks you about it. I just want to surprise Karma. She’s angry with me, so I’m going to bring her flowers.”
“Ooh, wildflowers are her favorite, remember?”
“No, I don’t remember.”
I scrunched up my face like when I ate something sour. How could he not remember? I heard footsteps outside the bedroom door, and I freaked.
“I gotta go. Someone is coming,” I whispered.
“Okay, see you soon.” He ended the call without saying goodbye, or I love you.
I tossed the phone near Sadie’s hand and pretended to be asleep. The door creaked open, then someone entered.
“Good night, my sweet girl,” Jaynee whispered.
I cracked one eye open and saw Jaynee kiss Sadie’s head. She surprised me when she touched my arm. I instantly missed my mommy.
“Sweet dreams, peanut.” Lynx kissed Sadie next. “Daddy loves you.”
My bottom lip trembled and my nose burned. Sadie’s new daddy treated her way better than my real daddy. It wasn’t fair. Why did she get all the best things?
I held my breath until the bedroom door closed, then I let my tears fall into my pillow. Sadie was the luckiest kid.
My dad didn’t sound happy to hear from me at all.
I wished I hadn’t called him.
I wished I was at home with my mom so I could climb into her bed. She’d snuggle me close, and I wouldn’t feel scared or sad anymore.
11
Cobra
Lady M’s leg vibrated as she stared at me from the couch. The woman could wait an eternity for an answer. Nobody would dare steal the floor from her once she spoke. We all just sat there in silence.
As a child, I’d always known she’d have my back. Now, as an adult, nothing changed. She’d go ape shit when she found out she might have a grandchild, and Karma had hidden it from the family.
“It’s not anyone’s business,” I finally replied.
