“Not yet. You’ll ruin everything if you tell her too soon.”
I stepped into the room immediately.
They both jumped.
Everett was holding construction paper.
Markers were scattered around Brielle.
They were making me a birthday card.
I laughed nervously and apologized.
But the uneasy feeling returned a few days later.
From the kitchen window, I watched Everett take several bills from his wallet and hand them to Brielle.
She glanced toward the house, quickly folded the money, and slipped it into her pocket.
Everett bent down and whispered something I couldn’t hear.
This time, I said nothing.
I watched.
Over the next few weeks, I noticed more quiet conversations.
Closed doors.
Sudden silence when I entered.
Brielle smiling whenever Everett gave her a look I didn’t understand.
I hated what suspicion was doing to me.
But I couldn’t stop it.
