LYN'

thing compared to the ache burning inside my chest. I walked quickly, my heels

I been

I belonged there. Letting myself believe-for a second-that

lf, choking back the sob that

I felt my phone buzz in my purse. I

Call –

her

Call –

ady knowing what

on snapped, her voice li

nk. I left," I said, tryi

you to stay by his side. This isn't a high school romance. Your

ars. "I'm not a r

for you to be. And rig

ore I could say

w. The borrowed dress, the fake diamonds, the messy updo that had started to

bitious woman climbing her way out of p

with Arthur Lawson a

ell was wr

n the couch with her books open in front of her. Papi was

red, gently touc

hting up. "You're b

said quickly

en reached out and took my hand. "You

a job that pays well. Tha

e wine," he said softly. "And you lo

top the tear

"Whatever it is, mija...

fine," I

sure if tha

UR'S

le

didn't matter. Like none

longer than I cared to admit, eyes loc

've stop

I di

on her face-that raw mix of pain and betrayal.

roached quietly. "

ateful for the dist

the board to question your position a

d turne

he

o Miss

im, unblinkin

it. Under a different name,

ched m

believe the tears were real. The dance. The way she

t... it was pers

he to

to me," I s

LYN'

na get ready for school. Brewed coffee for Papi. Tr

ame th

hort, h

or-and instantl

its stood there, sunglas

rooks?" the you

t thudding. "C

requests you

re with you," I said

scort you. Now wou

aid

forward and grabbed me by the arm. "Hey! Let

hat's going on?!" "She's fine, sir," the

ifted me like I weighed nothing. "This is ill

oors, but no one did anything. Becau

before I could jump out."You rich people are sick!" I yel

ont didn't even b

e quiet whe

rms and glared

was going to