Page 30 of Before This Ends (Before)

“How about you start out with three and go from there?”

“Okay,” she agrees just as her iPad on the island begins to ring. Squealing in happiness, she rushes toward the device. Once she has her bottom on the stool, she pulls the iPad closer, and a second later, the sound of Hazel’s voice fills the room. Last time I was here, Winter and she spoke as well, but it was only for a few minutes, because Winter was distracted byTangled. That and she was half asleep.

“Hey, honey,” Hazel says as Miles takes the shells out of the oven, and I turn off the stove. “How was school?”

“Good! Emma came to pick me up, and we went to the grocery store,” she informs her.

“Miss Karen still isn’t back?”

“Not yet.” She smiles. “Emma is here. We made tacos, and we’re going to eat them at thetable.”

“That’s nice.”

“Then we’re going to play Exploding Kittens.”

“Did you already do your homework?”

“Yes, and all my reading.”

“What time is Dad getting home?”

“He’s home now.” She spins the iPad around to face Miles.

“You’re home early,” she says to him.

“I got off early this evening.”

“That’s nice.” Her attention comes to me when I step into view with the taco meat.

“Hazel, Emma. Emma, Hazel,” Miles introduces as she stares at me.

“You’re Emma?”

“I am. Nice to finally meet you. Miranda and Winter talk about you all the time.” I smile, and she smiles back, but it looks forced, which instantly makes me feel awkward.

“Can you call me when Winter goes to sleep?” she asks Miles, the happy lilt her voice held moments ago when she was talking to her daughter and even Miles long gone.

“Sure,” he mutters, then glances over the top of the iPad to Winter. “Finish your call so we can eat, Win.”

“Are you coming to visit soon?” she asks while turning the iPad back around to face herself.

“Yes, hopefully next weekend. I miss the two of you.”

“The two of you.” Not just Winter. Weird.

Then again, I don’t know the dynamics of their relationship, so maybe it’s totally normal for her to say she misses both of them. “Call me before you go to bed.”

“I will. Love you, Mommy.”

“Love you too.” The background noise from the iPad cuts off as the call comes to an end, and Winter slides off the stool.

“I’m so hungry.” She comes around the island and squeezes in between Miles and me.

“I can see that.” I laugh, watching her grab a handful of grated cheese from the bowl on the counter.

“Win,” Miles warns when she reaches into the bowl again.

“Just one more,” she promises, taking another handful, this one bigger than the last, and I laugh.

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