I played my piano almost every single day. It was haunting me, what I was doing to them. And my clever plan from five months ago didn’t seem so great anymore.
A knock came at the door of the library. My fingers stilled on the ivory keys. Elena popped in her head.
“Hey, baby.” I smiled, but I felt like s**t.
“Can I ask you something?” she said.
I nodded, tapped on the stool.
She came in and sat where I’d indicated.
“Spit it out,” I said as she took two deep breaths.
“Can I spend Christmas over at Lee’s? His mom invited me. They’re going to their winter spot. Please, Mom.” Her voice was a husky whisper. She wasn’t ready to see Blake either.
This wasn’t just my escape plan; it was hers, too. “Not ready yet?”
She shook her head as her eyes welled up. What was going on in her mind?
“O
