Page 97 of Wicked Games

“I don’t…” I wet my lips. I don’t know what to say or how to react.

The plan since I was a kid was to just survive until eighteen. Then keep surviving, but on my own.

So, what now?

The fear that this could end surges. They could change their minds and send me away.

“We would never want to come between you and your father, Margo,” Lenora says, “but we would adopt you if we could.”

I shake my head. “It’s only been a few months. How do you know? Why…?”Why do you even want me?

“You’re smart and kind,” Robert says. “And you fit in with us. You’ve had a hard life, but we see the good in you with every decision you make. We want to be your home, kiddo.”

I can’t tell if I’m on the verge of a panic attack or something worse. A heart attack?

But I squint at Robert, who has since lost all of his ire. Instead, his expression is soft. So I was right, earlier. He wasn’t scowling atme—just what I believed to be true.

I look to Lenora. “What did you mean, come between me and my father? We don’t have a relationship.”

They exchange a glance. She raises her eyebrows at him, and he frowns.

“You could have a relationship with him if you want.” Lenora holds up her hands. “We’re not pushing this on you, Margo. I want to be very clear that this is your decision. But if you wanted to see him, we’re supportive of it. You haven’t seen him since the trial?”

“I wasn’t allowed to go to the trial. The last time I saw him was at the park when he was arrested.”

She covers her mouth. “Oh, hon.”

Do I want to see him again?

Behind bars? Seven years older?

No.No, I thought I did, but I really, really don’t.

I stand. “I’ll think about it. And I really…” My throat closes. I swallow sharply, then continue hoarsely, “I really appreciate you both.”

Robert stands, too. “Do you want to go to the NYU open house next weekend?”

It’d be an excuse to go into the city—then Riley and I wouldn’t have to think of another reason. And as much as I hate to admit it, I’m curious.College. What would that even be like?

“I do.” Even if I can’t get in, or afford it, I can live in the pipe dream for a day.

“Great. It’s settled, then. We’ll all go.”

My mouth drops open. “Us?”

“As a family.” Lenora nods. “I went to NYU for graduate school. It’d be lovely to go back.”

I grin. “So you’ll know your way around? And the best place to get coffee?”

“Yes. Oh, this will be so much fun!” Lenora claps and jumps up. “I’m going to get dinner started.”

“I have homework to finish,” I say.

“Me, too,” Robert adds, looking down at the stack of papers. “Who knew an art teacher would assign homework? How terrible of me.”

We laugh, and Lenora hooks her arm around mine. She pulls me out of the room, leaving Robert to his silence.

Once I’m back upstairs, I grab my phone. Since the text from Unknown asking me what I’m going to do with Caleb not interested in me anymore, there’s been radio silence.

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