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What was I supposed to do? On instinct, I grabbed Mila’s hand and guided her back to my side. I had no idea who this woman was, but I’d rather be safe than sorry.
The woman’s eyes jumped to me as if it finally registered that I was there.
“Who are you?” she asked, her voice hoarse.
The blue sky that had been overhead all day long was finally starting to fade to a darker color, indicating it might snow again. But the girls’ cheeks were rosy, and I felt like we’d had plenty of time here. It was time to go.
Mila tugged on my hand, but I wouldn’t let go. I knew the woman had asked me a question, but my brain was still registering the other people in the park and whether she was alone or if someone had traveled behind us.
“Aunt Julie?” Maddy came around the slide, her blue eyes wide in surprise.
“Hey kiddo!” the woman said, pulling Maddy into a side hug.
She had a cigarette dangling from the side of her mouth as she held Maddy there.
Seraph peered over at us from up above in her tower. It was over the slide, so she was looking down. She made eye contact with me, then looked over at the woman, then back at me. When she slowly shook her head back and forth, I knew this wasn’t a good idea.
“Hi, I’m Haley, their nanny.” I stuck my hand out, but she didn’t take it. She held firmly onto Maddy’s shoulders.
“Nanny? Damn, that sounds fancy. Didn’t realize Liam had that sort of money now.”
“It’s a trade situation…classes for babysitting.” I didn’t owe this woman anything, but I also didn’t want it to seem like Liam had all this money when he was struggling. I didn’t know what the situation was with the girl’s mother, but my gut told me this woman wasn’t Liam’s sister.
“Well, your mamma sure misses you, girls. You want to go see her? She’s just a few blocks away, at my apartment.”
Again, my heart hammered against my ribs so quick and hard that spots began to dance in my eyes. I had been afraid before, but this fear…thisterrorover losing someone else’s children was unlike anything I had ever experienced.
I stepped forward, pushing Mila behind me and grabbing Maddy’s hand. Thankfully she came to me without hesitation.
“We were actually heading out.” I glanced up briefly, and Seraph caught my eyes then disappeared. Hopefully that meant she was coming down.
The woman sized me up, her eyes bouncing between my face, my jacket, and my gloves.
“You look like you just stepped out of one of them fancy magazines with all your name-brand shit and shiny lips. You must be fucking him. Can’t blame you. It’s why my sister had such a hard time letting him go.”
Oh, fuck.
This was not happening.
I pulled on the girls’ tiny hands, towing them away. I wouldn’t even deign to answer her because she’d just said all thatin front of Liam’s daughters.
“Hey!” Julie called after us.
Seraph was running toward my car, watching us with apprehension. All I could think was that I wanted her inside, safe and sound. My eyes glanced around for anyone who might be with their aunt, hoping no one else was here. What if their mother showed up? What would I do?
“You can’t just walk away from me! That’s my family, you bitch!” she screamed, and I started to run.
“Get in the car, quick.” I unlocked the doors and fumbled with the handle.
Thankfully Julie wasn’t running after us. She was trying to walk quickly but weaving so much it slowed her down. She might be high or drunk, and she seemed to be unsure of her footing as she continued to yell and scream obscenities at us. Maddy was shaking, and Mila’s face was red as little tears started trailing down her cheeks.
I wanted to throw up. I wanted to scream.
I couldn’t do anything but pray that woman didn’t try to attack me as I buckled Mila into her car seat.
Once everyone was in the car, I quickly slipped in and locked the doors.
“Are you okay?” I whispered to Maddy, turning to face her in the back. My SUV had heavily tinted windows, so while my car was still there, Julie couldn’t see inside.
