Chapter 2
They took my son to the amusement park without me.
When they came back, Leo was holding a small, cheap-looking stuffed toy. He held it out to me timidly without saying a word, but his eyes kept darting toward David as if to say, I did what you said to make her happy. Why is she still ignoring me?
I was in the dining room packaging the desserts I had just finished baking when David walked in and saw the scene.
“Allera, are you really going to stay mad at your own son this long over a joke?”
He ruffled Leo’s hair.
“He was thinking about you the whole time we were at the park today, and this is the look you give him?”
I glanced down at the crudely made toy in Leo’s hands. On the table beside me, my phone lit up with a message from Rosalie that had arrived just before they walked in.
Are you seriously jealous of me over Leo again? Why have you always had to turn everything into a competition with me ever since we were kids?
David took the toy from Leo and pushed it toward me.
“Allera, don’t be childish.”
In front of him, I sealed the last bag of cookies and finally looked up.
“I’m not angry.”
I took out a small cookie and offered it to Leo.
“Here. Mommy needs a taste tester.”
“Okay.” He looked at the rabbit-shaped cookie in surprise. “Mommy, you used to only make the little bear cookies I like.”
“I got tired of those. I wanted to try something new.”
I started for the door. David called after me.
“Where are you going this late?”
“I have some things to take care of.”
I put on my shoes without giving him the usual detailed report of my whereabouts. I only told Leo, “Remember to brush your teeth after your dessert.”
A minute later, David texted me.
When are you coming home?
I locked the screen and looked up at my best friend, who was sampling my latest creation.
“So,” I asked, “what’s the verdict?”