Page 139 of Secret Weapon

“Difficult as it might be, I think you should stop worrying about things you can’t control.”

“Trying to ignore what’s happening is hard.I think… I think that even after everything that’s happened, I still love him.Is that crazy?”

“Love is the part that’s crazy.We can’t control it, no matter how much we might want to.”Thanks to Alex, I understood that now.“All we can do is sit back, buckle up, and try to enjoy the ride.”

We were halfway to the car when Tabby asked, “Mom, can I have a shark?”

“A toy shark?”

“No, a real shark.”

Ana glared at me when I snorted, but how could I keep a straight face?

“That isn’t a good idea.”

“Why?”

“Because sharks bite.”

“Dogs bite, and we have a dog.”

“Sharks need to live in water.”

“Daddy said we can have a swimming pool.”

“Oh, he did, did he?”

Either Quinn hadn’t discussed that particular plan with Ana, or Tabby was trying her luck.She was a smart kid—I wouldn’t have put it past her.

“Aunt Dede, can you make me a sweater with a shark on it?”

“Sure, but what if he gets lonely?You should have two sharks.”

“Don’t encourage her.”Ana took a calming breath.“For fu—fudge’s sake, don’t encourage her.”

“But—”

“Don’t.”

Okay, I’d leave the “Mom” stuff to Ana.

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