SOMETHING THUMPED AGAINST the floor, drawing Nelly and Erik’s attention to the slim woman pointing at them from the doorway of the kitchen. Aunt Shayla’s phone lay face down on the ground, but the accident barely seemed to register.
Self-conscious, Nelly tried to step away from Erik, but he held her firm. “Well?” He tilted his head and grinned. “What do you say?”
“I’m sorry,” Shayla whimpered, dancing on her toes. She hopped to one side and then the other, looking as uncoordinated as a toddler. “I don’t know if I should stay or go.”
“Stay!” Nelly yelled.
“Go,” Erik said at the same time.
Finally succeeding in tugging her hand away from him, Nelly wheeled a few steps back and rubbed her forehead. Why was she so flustered? Why was she breathless? Why was it so hot in here?
“I don’t kno
