Page 32 of Unravelling The Beast

"Of course he was; he always is. Unlike you, when you were a boy, oh, and a man."

Arlo shakes his head with an eye roll at her before she talks again.

"You're looking forward to meeting your new baby cousin soon, aren't you, Cree?"

Cree reacts with a wide smile and a nod until Arlo speaks.

"Sara did call me briefly yesterday, but I didn't have much time to talk. How is she doing?"

Arlo's mom nods in return before responding.

"Yeah, she's okay. I haven't seen her yet, but I'm going there after visiting here, and she and her baby girl seem to be fine, according to what she tells me on the phone."

"Did Lloyd show up for her?"

When his mother shakes her head, caution written all over her mature features, I notice Arlo's jaw tensing and his eyes narrowing.

"That mother-f..."

As soon as I notice he is about to curse in front of Cree, I step forward.

"Cree!"

My cheerful voice causes all eyes to turn to me, and Cree smiles.

"Wren!"

He wriggles out of Arlo's grasp before dashing toward me as soon as his feet touch the ground, and I crouch down, arms stretched wide, ready to catch him and give him a warm hug.

When he and I collide, we hug tightly, and I lift him up

"Did you have a good time?"

He smiles broadly as he points to Arlo's mom.

"Yes, I stayed at Grandma's house. Come and meet her!"

I give her a small smile before approaching her, but she looks at me carefully with an

expressionless face.

She takes her eyes away from mine and looks up at Arlo.

"Is this the new nanny?"

Arlo's focused stare is fixed on mine as he replies.

"It is."

I extend my hand to her, and she graciously accepts it.

"Nice to meet you; I'm Wren."

She gives me a small smile.

"Carmella Hayes."

When she lets go of my hand, she rises off the couch and turns to face Arlo.

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