Page 40 of Sinful Little Lies

VERENA

Leila

Hello, Verena. Haven’t heard from Leo in a few days. I’m sure he’s busy but can you just let him know that Mommy is missing him and just wanted to talk? Thanks.

My eyes roll so far back, they almost get stuck. I leave her on read and toss the phone to the side. My mind is occupied by the lack of Blair’s presence. She walked the straight and narrow. She always had her nose in a book, what trouble could she have possibly gotten into? Aspen has been a mess and I’ve spent most of this time comforting her. She hasn’t been able to spend a single second alone. Eli has been ordering us take-out for dinner because we don’t have the energy to think or cook.

I have to admit, it’s been nice to be part of a circle of people who care for one another. Aspen, Grimm, and even Eli, they’re like this newfound family I don’t ever want to let go of.

When Leila’s texts go unanswered by me, there’s no concern for my well being. I understand Leo is her son, but this family has known me throughout my entire college experience and there’s not an ounce of concern for me. In fact, her texts went from “innocent mother looking for her son,” to “vile bitch showing her true colors” and I’m so thankful that soon, I’ll never have to see or hear from her again.

When you pop a kid out of your cunt, I don’t think you expect to become one. I’m sure Leila didn’t anticipate it but she’s a fully fledged “C U Next Tuesday.”

Leila

Is everything okay with Leo? He’s not answering and I’m getting worried.

Did you tell him to ignore my calls, you little wrench? Why isn’t he answering his phone?

If you don’t tell me where my son is, I’m going to the police. I just went to his apartment and he clearly hasn’t been home for days.

I always knew you were evil, your clothing–if you can even call it that–was convincing enough, but I’m sure you did something to my son.

Fucking brewha.

My heart pounds ferociously at her words as my blood pressure spikes along with my anxiety. I snap a screenshot and send it to Grimm. His response is almost immediate.

Grimm

What a bitch. If you want to take her out too, let me know. But I’m sure once she’s tasted your lasagna, she’ll turn a corner.

We’re in the clear. I promise. Don’t stress about it, little monster.

I miss you.

He’s been on a vengeance streak with Emmett for the last couple of days. Grimm gave me all the details about Blair’s disappearance. He keeps true to his word and updates me regularly, sometimes with too much detail. I delete our messages periodically because I’m so goddamn paranoid he’s going to get my ass thrown into jail with the stories he tells me.

I need to speak with Eli and have him wipe it all from the inter-web for good. Before that, I have some meal prep to do.

Huffing out a breath, I look at Leila’s messages again. The utter disbelief that courses through my veins sets ablaze my anger. I do what I do best and laugh about the situation at hand, because if I don’t, I’ll spiral.

Looking at Leila’s texts, my mind dissociates to that night underground with Leo and Grimm. The machete driving straight through his chest and tearing him to pieces. A laugh of relief bubbles up my throat at the reminder that Leo is no longer in control of my life.

But if I want to successfully deliver my Leo-sagna to her, I need her to think I’m innocent in his disappearance.

Me

We aren’t together. I haven’t heard much from him lately, either.

Can I stop by this weekend? I would love to have a chance to say a formal goodbye.

Also, it's bruja.

I fucking hate playing nice. I’d much rather keep to myself because it drains me a lot less than plastering a fake smile on my face to empathize with twatwaffles.

Her response comes in faster than it usually took Leo to get it up.

Leila

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