Sophia’s POV
Candace?
A lump instantly forms in my throat. I release a shaky breath as my eyes drop to the tulips in my embrace.
What’s this? Another way to attack me?
“I’ll go get a vase,” Ava says with excitement, turning to leave.
“W-wait.”
She stops.
My heart races. The urge to throw the flowers to the ground causes air to tangle in my throat. I lift my eyes to Ava, and her brows draw together.
“Is everything okay?” She questions, turning back toward me. “You look pale.”
“Was she, um… what else did she say?”
Ava twists her mouth, then says, “She said she was your friend and asked if I could call you out to meet her. I told her you were getting ready to leave with your mother, but I’m sure you’d spare a minute for a friend. But she said not to bother anymore…”
“Did you tell h
