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“How’s the shelter?”
The smile pulling on my lips is genuine. “It’s good. We should have a new baby soon.”
“That’s exciting.”
I love her for not asking more. She knows I can’t share it.
“How’s Mama Russell?”
There’s the same burn in my chest. “She’s okay. Amy is good with her. She says she’s getting better.”
“I called by to see her on the way to the auction. She looked really healthy, Claire.”
She’s saying it to make me feel better.
“You’ve seen her more than me then. After my last visit, Amy thought it best if I gave her time.”
Mandy kisses the top of my head when I look down. “She really did, you know? She looked good.”
I hope so.
I distract myself by drawing shapes in the sand with my finger.
She moves her head to the side. “Are you drawing a penis?”
“Ugh.” I wipe my hand over it until it disappears. “Blame the Greek god.”
“Anyway, it’s more like this.” She draws a bigger one, and we both erupt into laughter before it’s washed away with a wave.
“Claire?” A shadow looms from behind.
I know that voice.
If I close my eyes and stay still, maybe he’ll go away.
“Claire?”
Fuck.
I tip my head back.
“Caleb. Hey.”
Mandy attempts to move, but I hold her wrist.
Don’t even think about it.
He takes a step around me, and I squint to look up at him.
“It’s great to see you.” He doesn’t try to hide the slow sweep of his eyes down my body.
I cringe.
“You look amazing.”
I shift awkwardly. “Thanks.”
You don’t do it for me anymore.
