on. We're leaving," I

confused. "Leaving? But we just go

It's a long drive. You're tired. Lily's tired.

hing to talk

p-boop-beep of a key code soun

holding a small takeout ba

urgent project. I brought those tacos..." He

, beamed. "Hi

an cold. A

on hardened into a challenging stare directed at me. It was a

ooth, addressing Mark but looking at me. "When you

panic. "Ashley, now's not a

still on me. Then she smil

inner? Maybe I can join

' s hand. "We'

ling Lily with me

a blur of silent tears from me

ly asked from the back seat, her small

le more. "Why do you call

Austin, we play with Auntie Ash. S

for weekends here? Without telling

y," Lily added, her voice dropping to a conspi

r a secret. I felt foolish, naive. All those times I' d thought he was bonding with Lily, he was integrating Ashl