Alexis.
I was slouched at my tiny kitchen counter, idly stirring a bowl of soggy cereal.
My phone was still in flight mode. I knew that the second I turned it on, I'd be flooded with texts from my mom, possibly dozens of missed calls, and maybe even a dramatic “Have You Seen My Daughter?” post in her f*******: mom group.
I sighed.
I needed a solid excuse to skip this family gathering without raising any suspicion.
Pierce is busy? Too generic.
Or is away on business? Way too expected.
He fell and broke his leg? A bit much, but not bad.
He got stung by a bee and his face is too swollen to function? Perfect.
Grinning at my own genius, I picked up my phone, ready to send the perfect Sorry, Mom, can’t make it message.
But before I could even start—
BANG!
My
