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Mrs. Johnson isn’t saying it, but I know it’s about the news. She wants to see if Ruby is safe with Tristan.
Caroline walks out of the school. Her small face looks like Greg’s—but without the years of pain and alcohol-induced wrinkles. Ruby waves at her, and she waves back without smiling.
“Come on, girl. I don’t have all day.” Greg says; I notice he’s still standing beside my car.
“He’s drunk, isn’t he?” Mrs. Johnson’s eyes are on him, but the question’s directed at me.
“Yes, ma’am. He is.”
“Greg?” Mrs. Johnson calls out as she approaches him.
“Yes, ma’am?” Greg responds, abruptly pulling himself upright at the sound of Mrs. Johnson's voice.
“Erin will drop your daughter off. Leave your truck here and take a walk home. I don’t want you driving in this state.” Mrs. Johnson says in a firm voice.
Greg wants to argue, but no one argues with Mrs. Johnson. His shoulder drops as he shuts off his truck’s engine and walks away. His large body sways slightly in the cool breeze, but he keeps walking.
“Be a darling and feed Caroline before you drop her off, alright?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
I look over at Caroline. The poor kid looks on the verge of tears. Ruby, sensing her discomfort, leaves me and goes over to her. She whispers something to Caroline, and a smile breaks out on her face. Before long, they’re both laughing.
“Reminds me of you and Deanna—one blonde, the other dark-haired.” Mrs. Johnson looks at me.
“Have a good one, ma’am.”
I lead the kids to the car. I don’t want to remember Deanna, not after sleeping with her husband. The drive home doesn’t take long, and when we finally get home, Tristan’s car is waiting in the compound.
“Daddy!”
Ruby jumps in Tristan’s arms immediately after we get in. It looks like he was waiting at the door for us to arrive. He’s wearing grey sweatpants and an equally grey sweatshirt. His black hair looks wet, like he just had a shower. The thought of him naked under the hot water crosses my mind, and I look away from him. What is wrong with me?
“Layla, hi.”
I look back at him. With Ruby in his arms, it’s harder to picture him naked. “Hey, Tristan. How was your trip?”
I still don’t know how to act normal around him—not since I found the mask. Nothing about our situation is normal. All I know is I can’t afford to let it happen again—the glorious, glorious sex. I need to get the evidence, get Ruby away from him, and make my parents proud.
“Eventful. Everything fine at home?” He says as he kisses Ruby’s cheek.
Our exchange feels strangely formal like we have things we’re not saying. Does Tristan know? Does he know I’m the mystery girl from the party?
“Everything was perfect, Ruby’s been an angel. Mrs. Johnson’s asking to meet you, though.”
“I see.” His gaze falls on Caroline, hiding behind me, and a smile crosses his face. “And who’s this?”
“That’s my new friend, Daddy. Her name’s Caroline.”
“Hello, Caroline.” He waves at her, and Caroline waves back shyly.
“I got you a bunch of goodies, pumpkin.”
“Yay!”
Ruby claps her hands together.
“Now, I want you to take Caroline to your room and share some with her, okay? I have to speak with Layla.” He looks at me, and his dark eyes observe me intently.
