Page 104 of Hidden Echoes

Perfect.

I return to my book on chemical compounds.

“You know, Edo,” Audrey continues, her voice filled with playful mischief, “when you grow up, I’ll teach you how to drive multiple cars to escape from your mother at night.”

Without looking up, I make a noise of agreement. “Obviously.”

Statistically speaking, he’ll have to develop some resistance to chaos at some point. It’s better to start early.

Audrey turns to me, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. She’s like the sun—not the calm, steady type, but the fierce, untamable part, like the solar corona, where temperatures are literally explosive. Her energy is contagious, impossible to ignore, but getting too close to it means you might get burned.

And somehow, even knowing the risk, it’s impossible not to feel pulled in.

Just like my brother. I get why he’s obsessed with Audrey Ross. And, yeah, maybe I’m a little obsessed with my best friend, too.

Sometimes, I can’t believe someone like Audrey chose to be in my life. Out of everyone, she’s the one who’s here. And I’ll always cherish that—even if she never stops talking long enough for me to express it without being interrupted.

“You know,” Audrey says, tossing her hair back with that same overly confident grin, “if you keep looking at me like that, we’re going to have to make out.”

I roll my eyes, though I can’t stop myself from smiling just a little. “You do know my husband’s a humorless mobster, right?”

“So what?” she shrugs. “I can still steal his wife.”

I laugh because that’s such an Audrey response.

“Good luck with that,” I say, turning back to my book.

“You say that like I’m not extremely charismatic,” she teases, leaning in to see what I’m reading.

“You are,” I say, not looking up, “but you’re also highly attached to one particular trouble. I'd probably end up being stalked by some unstable individual, given how you've somehow inserted yourself into this situation. That would likely trigger a cycle where he'd attempt to harm me, not understanding boundaries, and my husband would retaliate, continuing the whole mess. Not exactly efficient or desirable. Besides, you're not really my type—I tend to prefer someone a bit older."

"Audrey sighs dramatically, placing a hand on her chest. "You also like them problematic," she adds. "And that’s why you love me.'"

I don’t respond but I do smile.

Audrey smiles knowingly, and annoyingly, she’s right.

I love her.

I return to my book, and she continues to tickle Edo’s nose, making him laugh before pulling him into a big, warm hug. “You’re going to be the best driver, kiddo.”

Edo looks up at her, clearly intrigued by the new game she’s playing.

“Of course, cheeks, someone has to teach you the cool stuff. Your mother will teach you how to mix explosive chemicals, but I’ll make sure you’re well-versed in escaping at night.”

I glance up from my book, arching an eyebrow. “No explosions. He can’t even coordinate his hands enough to avoid spilling everything on the floor yet.”

“Does that mean he’ll be able to later?” Audrey grins, bouncing Edo lightly in her arms. “Did you hear that, cheeks? Your mother just confirmed you’ll be a mini chaos scientist.”

Edo claps his hands, loving the energy, even though he doesn’t really understand what we’re saying.

“Or an engineer,” I add absently, turning another page.

Audrey scrunches her nose. “What matters is that he’ll know how to have fun. And I’ll be his favorite influence. Right, Edo?” She pinches his cheeks lightly, making him giggle even more.

“Favoritism’s based on emotional and social cues,” I argue, without missing a beat. “Right now, you’re providing constant interaction and positive reinforcement, so it makes sense that he’s responding to you. But considering that I’m the one feeding, clothing, and caring for him every day—”

“Blah blah blah, Laura,” Audrey interrupts, rolling her eyes and turning her attention back to Edo. “She talks a lot, doesn’t she, cheeks? But don’t worry, I know deep down you love me more.”

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