Page 150 of The Forever Play

“You’ve always known your heart,” Mom continues. “From the youngest age, you’ve always been so determined to go after the things you want. And ever since you met Zander, you’ve wanted him. He lit you up like no one else could.”

My smile grows wide. “He still does.”

“I can see that.” Mom laughs, then leans her head against Dad’s cheek.

He shifts to kiss her forehead, and then they snuggle close again.

“I love you guys.” I blow a kiss to the camera. “I better go pick up Zoey.”

“Okay.” Mom nods. “Let us know how it goes with telling Russell.”

“Yeah.” I wince. “I’ll call you in a couple days.”

Dad gives me a thumbs-up. “Give my grandbaby a kiss from me.”

“Will do. I’ll make sure she’s around for the next call.”

“That’ll be lovely.” Mom blows a few kisses back to me, and then I hang up and quickly pack the rest of my stuff.

Russell could be home at any minute, although he’s most likely at hockey practice. Glancing at my watch, I hurry anyway, hauling my stuff out to the car and loading it up. I’ll have to return it tomorrow. I’ll talk to him then and hope he won’t be too angry with me. Maybe I should bring Wily and Tyrell along for protection detail. They seemed to work pretty well last time.

With a nervous laugh, I pull away from the curb and head to Mrs. Ward’s house. I still have the spare key to Football Frat, so I’m going to collect Zoey, take her back there for dinner and a bath, and make sure we’re all unpacked before the guys get home.

Checking the time, I wince. Man, I am so late to pick up my baby girl. The call with my parents took over an hour, but it was an important one. Knowing I have their support means so much to me.

I should call Mrs. Ward and let her know I’m coming, but I’m almost there, so I drive just a touch faster and pull into her driveway at a quick clip. Jumping out, I run to the front door and do a friendly knock, bouncing on my toes while I wait.

An excited buzz is vibrating through me, and I’m grinning like a circus performer when Mrs. Ward finally opens the door.

“Hey.” I greet her cheerfully. “I’m so sorry I’m late. The day got away from me, but… is Zoey… here?” My chatter trails off as I take in Mrs. Ward’s confused expression.

“Well, no, dear.”

A sharp jolt shoots through my chest. “I’m sorry?”

“Russell came to pick her up. He said you’d called to let him know you were running late.”

What!

My insides flail, my hand trembling as I place it against my surging stomach. “When did he come?”

“About an hour ago. I thought you knew.” Mrs. Ward steps toward me, worry creasing her expression, borderline panic filling her eyes.

Oh shit. I don’t want to make her feel bad. Or worry her.

Putting on a bright smile I’m far from feeling, I nod. “You know what? Of course. I remember now.” Tapping my forehead, I put on the show of a lifetime. “My brain is so muddled today. This is what running late does to me.” My laughter is high and pitchy as I back away from her front door and start heading for the car. Raising my hand, I call over my shoulder, “Thanks again for looking after my girl.”

“Anytime, sweetheart. You take care now.”

I don’t think she’s convinced by my performance, as she stays in the doorway, looking at me with a worried frown as I pull back onto the road and squeal off.

Punching my phone screen, I call Russell.

“Hello, Sienna.” His voice is sounding eerily strange. It sets my teeth on edge.

Panic starts to get the better of me and I end up shouting, “Where’s my daughter?”

“She’s safe.”

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