Page 97 of A Major Puck Up

But I’m not a creeper, and his body language made it clear my presence was unwanted, so I went back to bed. Or more like I lay in bed and listened to every little sound, every creak of his movements, until he closed his bedroom door softly. Then I snuck in to check on Vivi, who was fast asleep.

It seemed I needed them more than they needed me in that moment, so I crept back to bed and tossed and turned for the rest of the night.

“What should we do today, bestie?”

From her Boppy chair on the floor, Vivi watches me, curious as ever.

“Maybe we should go for a walk. Get some fresh air?”

She babbles excitedly, kicking her feet, as if she actually understands me.

“I agree, baby girl. Fresh air will make everything better.”

Once I’ve got Vivi bundled up in a cozy little outfit with lightning bolts that I imagine came from one of her uncles, I strap her into her car seat and clip it onto the stroller next to the door.

I can’t help but chuckle, wondering if Gavin has figured out this contraption yet. I’m cooing at Vivi as I maneuver the fancy set of wheels out into the hallway. But when there’s a flash of pink, I stop and do a double take. A tall woman with pink hair quickly disappears into an apartment, and the door slams shut behind her. A heartbeat later, though, it swings open again.

“Oh my gosh. Is that a baby?” The woman pokes her head out into the hall and looks one way, then the other. Then she motions me over. “Come here, but shh. Don’t let anyone know I’m here.”

My heart takes off at a sprint as I wheel Vivi’s stroller back and step in front of it. I was under the impression that Gavin had this building on lockdown, but if that’s the case, then how did this insane person get in here?

“No, that’s okay. I’m just going to head back into my apartment.”

She tilts her head, her brow furrowing in concern. “Are you okay?”

“Um, sure.”

“Oh my gosh. You think I’m a stranger.” Her face splits into a bright smile.

“Um, yeah. I don’t know you. That makes you a stranger.”

“True, but I’m not strange. Promise.” She tosses her head back and laughs, her pink hair flying. “Okay, I’m a little strange.” She holds up her hands. “Okay, I can be a lot strange. I admit it. But I’m not a stranger. I’m Sara’s best friend.”

That response does nothing to ease the trepidation running through me. “Who’s Sara?”

“Oh my god,” she shouts. “Maybe you’re the stranger.” She puts her hands on her hips. “How do you not know who Sara is?”

I shrug, still keeping Vivi behind me.

“She’s head of PR for the team, and Brooks Langfield’s girlfriend.”

Oh, that Sara. “Right.”

“Is that Gavin Langfield’s kid? Oh my gosh.” She slaps a hand to her mouth. “Are you the mom? How could you just leave her on his doorstep all alone like that?” Her blue eyes go hard, and her face flushes with anger. “Why are you here? So you can steal her back?”

Both my jaw and my stomach drop. “Oh my gosh. That’s what happened?”

She pulls out her phone and unlocks it, all the while glaring at me. Her pink-tipped finger does a little circle as she points. “Who are you?”

I sigh, my heart aching for the sweet baby girl behind me. “I’m Viviane’s nanny. And I’m Daniel Hall’s twin sister.”

Her scowl quickly morphs into a megawatt smile. Then she scampers out, grasps my hand, and gives it a tug. “Why didn’t you start with that? Come in, come in.”

The way she says it—as if I’m the one with something to prove and not her—puts me at ease while also making me laugh. I’m not sure how Vivi and I end up in her apartment, but for a minute, I hover at the open door and take in our surroundings. The place is much smaller than Gavin’s, but it’s warm and cozy. All light creams and coffee-colored everything. Serial killers don’t have serene apartments like this. We should be good.

Pink girl saunters to the kitchen, her hips swaying. The woman has curves as big as her personality. It’s slightly infectious. “Can I get you something to drink?”

“Um.” I glance down at Vivi in her seat. She’s totally chill, doing what she always does and silently taking in the world around her. Babies can sense danger, right? Or maybe that’s animals. Either way, I get the sense that this girl might be delusional, but she’s harmless. “I’m sorry, what’s your name?”

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