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“You walked right by me like you didn’t even know me. I thought you were mad at me.”
“I’ve never been to Runway Nails.”
She tilts her head. “You were there yesterday.”
“Sorry, you must’ve seen someone else.”
“It was you.”
I don’t feel like talking about Bryant or Trixie, so I put my hand on Chelsea’s arm and give her the most genuine look I can, going overboard to make my point clear. “I’m really sorry someone snubbed you, but it wasn’t me. I’dneverdo that to you, Chels. Ever.”
She stumbles over her words.
“Should I bring my famous lemon bars to the PTA meeting? Those are your favorite, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Great. I’ll be sure to make them. See you tomorrow!”
Chelsea gives a little wave, looking dazed.
Maybe I should get the number of one of Dad’s nurses. She might need to see someone about her memory. There’s no way she saw me at the salon. I’d rather get a root canal and colonoscopy at the same time than step foot inside Trixie’s place and have to deal with a loudmouth who hates my guts.
ChapterFive
The tray of lemon bars is still warm, almost to the point of burning my palms as I carry it through the school parking lot. I’m a few minutes late because Sophie started crying as soon as I opened the front door to leave. Even Peter promising to set up a tea party for her didn’t stop the tears.
A lump forms in my throat just thinking about my sweet little girl clinging to my legs as I was trying to go. I’ll have to plan something special for her tomorrow to make up for this. What makes it worse is that I didn’t even want to come to this PTA meeting in the first place.
But here I am. If nothing else, I’ll show Chelsea that we’re still friends and I’d never snub her. Not when every other parent here jumps at her command. One wrong move from me, and Nadia and Dakota’s lives at school could take a drastic turn for the worse.
A chilly breeze picks up. I hold the dessert tray close to keep warm since I didn’t bring a jacket. It isn’t cold yet, but the fall weather is sure to turn icy before long.
I hurry toward the building. A hum of conversation sounds from the open door.
The tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and goose bumps form down my spine. This has nothing to do with the breeze.
It feels like someone is watching me.
I glance around. The parking lot is empty. A few stray leaves bounce lightly across the pavement, scraping over it. The quiet sounds seem louder than they should.
I’m just imagining things. This is a safe neighborhood, and I’m going into a PTA meeting. Why would someone be spying on me? I need to stop listening to so many true crime podcasts. My lemon bars are probably the most exciting thing in our small town right now.
Inside, everyone is hovering around the snack table, chatting with paper cups and treats in hand.
Chelsea hurries over to me. “You made it! I was getting worried.”
I hold out my tray. “No fear, my lemon bars are here.”
She takes them and sets them in an empty space in the middle of the table, as if she was holding the spot for them. “Grab something to eat. We’re going to start soon.”
I’m still on edge from feeling like someone was watching me outside, so I don’t take anything. The meeting starts and, unsurprisingly, drags on. Somehow I end up getting roped into being on the committee for the next school dance. Finally, Chelsea dismisses us.
Now I’m hungry. There are slim pickings, and my lemon bars tray is empty. I have the choice of a few store-bought cookies and the dregs of some fruit punch.
“How are you doing?”
I turn to see Lyra—Peter’s ex and Dakota’s mom—who’s dressed to the nines. Typical for the CEO of a high-end department store. She gives me a friendly smile.
