Dawn and Tara walked into the pizzeria, the kind of warm place that always smelled like melted cheese and busy people. Dawn spotted Alex at the counter and headed over, already wearing the smile she puts on for the world.
“Who are you with?” Alex asked, eyes flicking to Tara like she was deciding if she approved or not.
“That’s my cousin, Tara,” Dawn said, keeping it light.
“And your siblings? They good?” Alex pressed, like it was her duty to check.
“They’re fine, yeah. Thanks,” Dawn replied. Smile still fixed, even though her cheeks were kind of tired of holding it.
She ordered pasta, took the tray back, served Tara first, then finally sat.
“So,” Tara said, leaning in a bit, “you’re telling me you got that creepy message, and you still have no idea who sent it?”
Dawn nodded, jaw ti
