Page 171 of Dagger

“Maybe you should go and get some tests,” Sophie suggested.

I pushed down the irritated feeling her words evoked. “Honestly, I’m fine. It’s been a nightmare few months, and I’m probably still a little stressed. A good run out on the bikes will make me feel better.”

“But, Mom—” she began.

“Sophie,” I snapped loudly. “I’m fine.”

Her face fell, and she looked at me, her eyes seemingly confused

My stomach began to churn painfully.

Jesus, what was I doing?

“I’m sorry,” I murmured. “I just want to have a good day, and the more I talk about my headache, the worse it seems to get.”

Cara’s eyes narrowed on me. “Okaaay?”

“Sorry,” I repeated. “I must be overtired—’

The doors flew open, and Atlas’s muscular body filled the threshold. My son-in-law jerked his thumb toward the parking lot and boomed, “Let’s fuckin’ go.”

Sophie studied me, her smile turning thin-mouthed. “Hopefully, your headache will ease soon.”

“Thanks,” I replied, standing and turning to Cara. “Who’s got the kids today?”

She grinned, getting to her feet along with Sophie. “Sera, Mason, and Billy. The men are giving Billy all the extra shitty jobs because he’s getting patched in soon. They wanna make it hurt before it gets better.”

I laughed gently. “John was saying something about a Church ritual?”

Sophie made an ‘eek’ face. “Something tells me Billy won’t play the game.” She took Belle from Cara, gently kissing her fuzzy hair. “Let’s get you to Auntie Sera.”

As she went to walk away, I touched her arm. “I’m really sorry for snapping. I know you’re only trying to help.”

“It’s okay,” she shrugged casually, “Cara’s a raging bitch when she’s on the rag. You’re a pussy cat compared to her.”

Cara shot her a look. “Excuse me. I’m a raging bitch all of the time, not just on shark week.”

Sophie walked away laughing. “I’ll see you out there.”

“She’s too fucking perfect,” Cara muttered.

My eyes stayed on Sophie until she disappeared through the door. “Yeah, she is.”

“Hey,” Cara murmured. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

My gaze slid to meet hers, and my stomach warmed at her concerned expression.

I’d always liked Cara. When she was with Junior, I didn’t know her well because I never wanted to be close to anybody, but I always thought she was lovely. My ex-husband liked her because she was accomplished, and he loved the fact that she worked with kids because it would stand Robbie in good stead when he stood for election. But I always noticed how distant she seemed, probably because I was the same way.

“I feel weird,” I admitted.

Her arched eyebrows drew together. “Sick, weird?”

“No,” I relayed. “I feel off. I’m not sleeping well, and I think it’s affecting me.”

“But you told Sophie you slept fine,” she accused gently.

“I know,” I blurted out. “But I didn’t want to worry her. She’s cared for me since the day I got here. I’m the parent; I should be caring for her.”

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