Page 23 of Ruthless Serenade

Sharon’s eyes widen with curiosity. "No, Mommy! Tell me!" she exclaims eagerly.

My mind drifts back to those carefree days. "Well, when Auntie Emily and I were about your age, we decided to play a little trick on our teachers at school. We switched places for a whole day just to see if anyone would notice."

Sharon giggles, her mouth full of colorful sprinkles. "Really? Did they figure it out?"

I smile at the memory. "Nope! Nobody could tell the difference! We even fooled some of our friends. I went to all of Emily’s classes, and she went to mine. It was so hard not to laugh when the teachers called us by the wrong names!"

"That's funny, Mommy!" Sharon laughs, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I wish I had a twin sister too!"

My heart clenches a little at her words. The bittersweet pang of longing for the sister I lost gnaws at me, but I brush it aside. The past is the past. What matters right now is the joy of sharing this moment with my daughter.

"It was pretty awesome," I agree, reaching out to boop Sharon on the nose. "But you know what? Having a twin is special, but being your mom is the best thing in the whole wide world."

Sharon beams at me, her smile brighter than all the colors of the ice cream parlor. "I love you, Mommy," she says quietly, her voice filled with pure, innocent affection.

"I love you too, baby," I reply, my heart overflowing with adoration for this precious little girl. I never thought it was possible to love like this. A mother’s love for their child is unlike anything else in this universe. I remember the days when my own mom kept telling me that “one day, you’ll understand what it’s like.” Back then, I had no idea what she meant. Now, I understand it more than anything.

"Can I have another ice cream, Mommy?" Sharon asks eagerly, her eyes sparkling with hope.

I’m about to gently refuse - after all, one whole scoop is enough before dinner - when something catches my eye through the parlor's large front window.

Parked just across the street, is a black Escalade. Its license plate reads SUN-8899, and I’d recognize that combination anywhere. I saw that car just the other night. It’s Maron’s old car.

My breath catches in my throat and I can feel myself go a few shades paler. I have no idea why I’m having this reaction, despite knowing that someone else is driving that car. I strain my eyes to see who it is, but the tinted windows block my full view of the interior. Thanks to the bright daylight, however, I can make out the features of a figure sitting in the driver’s seat, talking on the phone. Whoever he is, he’s a pretty big guy. He’s wearing sunglasses, a black leather jacket, and a salt-and-pepper beard. He’s good-looking, even. Almost as good-looking as…

Oh my God.

I blink hard, almost unable to believe my eyes. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I’m seeing a ghost. A ghost I’ve been trying to forget every day, for the last seven years. My heart almost stops beating. My skin goes even more pale, if that’s even possible.

No, it can’t be.

You’re going nuts, Mindy.

I'm jolted back to reality by Sharon's voice. "Mommy? Can I have another ice cream?"

I look down at my daughter, my mind spinning from what I just saw. Without really thinking, I nod and follow her to the counter. My movements are almost robotic as I let her choose another treat.

Even as we leave the parlor and get back to my car, I still struggle to shake off the daze I'm in. My mind is consumed with a single thought: what the hell did I just see? Or who? And why does he look so much like… him?

Jesus Christ, I need to get my head straight. I’ve got enough on my plate and one more thing to occupy my thoughts is the last thing I need right now. Especially that I have a feeling that Sharon will require extra attention in the weeks ahead. This school event won’t be a walk in the park for her and I must make sure that she can handle the emotional pressure.

Earth to Mindy!

The day isn’t over yet, girl!

Right. Back to reality. I start the engine of my car, forcing my brain to focus on our next task.

"Alright, peanut," I say, glancing at Sharon in the rearview mirror. "We need to do some grocery shopping before we head home. Where do you think we should go?"

Sharon's face lights up at being given the choice. "Can we go to Walmart, Mommy? Please?" she asks excitedly.

"Sure, baby, but why Walmart?"

"Because they have the big toy section with all the dolls," she explains, her eyes sparkling from joy. "And they give out free stickers at the checkout! Melanie in my class got one yesterday."

Her reasoning brings a smile to my face. I never get tired of my baby girl’s enthusiasm about the smallest things in life.

"Walmart it is, then," I agree. "But remember, we going there to pick up groceries, not toys. We get our food first, and then we can take a look at the dolls, okay?"

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