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Mom shakes her head, watching him go. She turns to me then, her expression growing serious. “Are you okay, sweetheart?”
Pretend.
My lips spread into the biggest smile I can muster. “Absolutely. Having everyone here is the best gift I could ask for.”
She nods and swipes a finger under her lower lashes. “It sure is a gift.” She clears her throat. “Anyway, you go and do whatever it is you need to do. Dad and I will be around. I love you, babe.” She squeezes my hand before she turns to join my father.
I look at them—together, happy, still so much in love. And I wonder if that will ever be me.
Before an ache builds behind my throat, I force myself in the opposite direction, hoping to actually make it outside this time.
“Hi!” Sophia bounces over to me.
Her light pink, puffy tulle dress and ballerina bun make her look like a little dancer. Her cheeks are stained with a hint of rosy blush.
“Happy birthday, Kayla.” She grins, her gaze shining brightly up at me. “You look really pretty!” She notes my black knee-length dress and the pair of nude sandals with a bit of heel.
“Not as pretty as you, though!”
She fans her lashes and purses her lips. “Thank you! Mommy did my makeup.”
“She’s very good!”
She nods, brows knitting. “She is. Not as good as me, though. Want me to do yours?”
“Oh, you leave her alone, princess.” Michael struts over, pushing off some hair off his forehead.
“She’s fine.” I give Sophia a little wink.
“I’m gonna go see if Uncle Gio will let me do his!” She practically bounces with excitement. “Uncle Gio!”
She runs over to him, and he grabs her in his arms, spinning her in the air.
“How are you doing?” he asks me, and suddenly I’m nervous.
Does he know what I’ve done? The others I’ve killed?
“I’m fine. I…uh, actually just wanted some air. Excuse me.”
“Has he called you?”
I stop and look back over my shoulder. “Chris?”
He nods stoically, his jaw clenching.
“No. I’m sure I misheard about his parents.”
“Maybe. But he did text me back and sent a photo of him with some old lady in a hospital. Could be his mom. Could be he’s lying. But we’re verifying.”
My spine tingles with a chill. Why would he go through so much trouble? Something gnaws in the pit of my stomach.
“Well, if he calls, I’ll let you know.”
“Watch your back, Kayla. There are snakes everywhere.”
His eyes are haunting as they stare at me for a second before he’s heading toward Elsie, grabbing her face, and kissing her like his life depends on it.
Could Chris somehow be involved in something bad?
